Preliminary Evidence of Memory Dysfunction in Youth with Moderate-Severe Versus Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Matched Controls Using the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, Third Edition (WRAML3)

• Published in: Journal of pediatric neuropsychology Vol. 8; no. 4; pp. 178 - 190
• Main Authors: Leonard, Skyler, Hall, Trevor A., Bradbury, Kathryn R., Holding, Emily Z., Wagner-Doughty, Amanda E., Williams, Cydni N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.12.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Brain research; Child and School Psychology; Children & youth; Memory; Neurology; Neuropsychology; Participation; Pediatrics; Psychology; Quantitative psychology; Traumatic brain injury; Traumatic brain injury; Childhood brain insult; Head injury; Learning and Memory; Test construction
• ISSN: 2199-2681; 2199-2673
• DOI: 10.1007/s40817-022-00138-w

Objective We investigated the clinical utility of the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, Third Edition (WRAML3), for use with a pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. Method This study is a cross-sectional cohort design comparing performance of youth (ages 5–17) with a history of TBI on the WRAML3 with healthy controls. Twenty-nine patients that had been hospitalized for TBI in the previous 6–34 months completed the WRAML3 as well as 29 matched healthy controls. Results No significant differences were detected between the overall TBI and healthy control groups. When comparing patients with a history of complicated mild TBI vs. those with a moderate to severe TBI, significant differences were found on the Design Learning subtest, Design Learning Recognition subtest, and on the Visual Immediate Memory Index. When comparing all three groups simultaneously, significant differences between groups were found on the Design Learning subtest and Design Learning Recognition subtest, such that the moderate to severe TBI group performed more poorly than control and complicated mild TBI groups. Children injured at an earlier age had poorer outcomes. Conclusions Memory deficits should not be expected after complicated mild TBI, but may be present in youth on the more severe end of the spectrum. Though findings were limited, the WRAML3 may be a useful tool in the assessment of memory functioning and neurocognitive recovery among pediatric patients that have experienced a TBI.