Postnatal and natal Cerebral Injuries

Among the causes of mental inadequacy, retardation, and conditions often termed "cerebral palsies," a significant role is played by brain injuries due to mechanical, hemorrhagic, or anoxic factors (oxygen lack, anemia, stagnation). A recent observation on the influence of a head trauma on the mental development of a child impressed us again with the necessity of obtaining more insight into the late effects of injuries to the brain. Report of Cases Case 1.— A 5½-year-old boy was seen at an outpatient clinic because of some behavior difficulties. In the psychological examination he scored a mental age of 6½ years and an I. Q. rating of 116. A few weeks after the examination he was hit by a car and had multiple skull fractures with contusion of the brain. When tested four months after the first examination, the child showed evidence of "cerebral palsy" with hemiplegia. His mental age at that