Sleep and Neuropsychological Functioning in Neurologically Ill or Injured Children
The lab has several ongoing investigations of sleep and neuropsychological functioning among children with neurological illnesses or injuries. These are examining:
- The impact of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) on sleep. One longitudinal data set has provided preliminary evidence of long-term effects of TBI on the sleep of school-aged children. In conjunction with an ongoing multi-site research study of child and family functioning following TBI, we are prospectively gathering more comprehensive sleep information on preschool children who have sustained TBI or an orthopedic injury at several time points post-injury.
- The relationship between sleep, seizure control, and behavioral functioning in pediatric epilepsy. In conjunction with an ongoing research project, data on sleep and neuropsychological functioning are being gathered on a group of children who have been newly-diagnosed with epilepsy, then following them over time.
- The neuropsychological outcomes of survivors of childhood brain tumors who have not undergone cranial irradiation. A large database of children who have undergone only surgical treatment for low-grade astrocytomas collected through the Childrens' Oncology Group is providing evidence that, even in the absence of radiation treatment, they are at increased risk for diminished scores on tests of cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive functioning.
