Sensory processing patterns in pediatric mild traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Sensory processing (SP) difficulties, such as heightened sensitivity to sensory input, have been linked to prolonged recovery and persistent post-concussive symptoms in adults following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, research on SP across different sensory inputs after pediatric mTBI is limited. This study examined SP patterns in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with mTBI at 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury. Caregivers of children aged 6-11 years (n = 120) completed the Short Sensory Profile - Dutch version (SSP-NL), while adolescents aged 12-17 years (n = 121) completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile - Dutch version (AASP-NL), and scores were compared to normative data. Multilevel latent class growth analysis (MLCGA) identified four SP classes in children: (1) taste and smell sensitivity, (2) general hypersensitivity, (3) general hyposensitivity, and (4) under responsiveness with auditory filtering issues. Class 2 showed lower Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) scores. SP changes over time were limited, with persistent issues (of hyper- and hyposensitivity) at 6 months. For adolescents, two classes were found: (1) avoidant and passive, and (2) mild, with Class 1 showing lower CASP scores. Class 2 exhibited reductions in poor registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance over time. These findings highlight inter-individual differences in SP after pediatric mTBI, with subgroups differing in how they affect activities and participation. Early identification of SP issues may help tailor more effective interventions.

Keywords: Adolescents; children; class analysis; participation; pediatric mild traumatic brain injury; sensory processing.