TBI children: Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment planning

TBI is the most common cause of acquired disability in developmental age. The clinical assessment, the rehabilitative program and the evaluation of sequelae after TBI require the use and the co-ordination of multiple competencies. Head injury evaluation in children is further complicated by the contemporary development of cognitive and psychological functions and personality organization. A multidisciplinary approach permits a comprehensive assessment, facilitates the identification of main rehabilitative goals and makes the management of rehabilitative programs easier. This approach promotes functional recovery from disability, facilitates community re-entry and reduces the long-term economic impact of this pathology. Even after less serious injuries family support and counseling, as well as medical care, become very important. The problems of TBI children change over time and throughout clinical phases. In the acute phase the patient mainly needs medical care, then rehabilitation takes the first place. But, over the years, the primary need of a post-traumatic patient is an existential project.