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Medical complications related to rehabilitation of children with CNS-injury

Project leader

Clinical Medical Director / Associate professor Frank Becker, MD, PhD, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Oslo

Abstract

Few studies describe medical complications after central nervous injury in children and adolescents as a whole with focus on their consequences for patients and their caregivers. This project explores medical complications related to rehabilitation of children and youth with CNS-injury, with regard to type, frequency and impact on the patients and their caregivers, and on the rehabilitation process. This project includes three studies:

A scoping review on medical complications in children and youth with CNS-injury.  
A total number of 9973 publications was identified. In process.

A questionnaire-based study exploring the self-reported frequency and impact of medical complications on children and youth, and their caregivers, after discharge from a tertiary rehabilitation center.  
In process. Out of 159 patients, 134 were eligible and received the questionnaire. 70 patients/caregivers responded, 46 of which reported complications.

A prospective study registering complications during subacute in-patient rehabilitation and their impact on the rehabilitation process (e.g. length of stay, transferals to acute hospital, adjustment of goals). Patient recruitment ongoing.

Publications

Vege KM, Månum G, Sunnerhagen KS, Becker F (2025): “Medical complications after acquired pediatric injury to the central nervous system – A scoping review” Disability & Rehabilitation https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2526704

Vege KM, Månum G, Sunnerhagen KS, Becker F (2025): “Pediatric moderate to severe injury to the central nervous system: patients’ and caregivers’ experiences of medical complications and related healthcare needs” Child: Care, Health & Development https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.70137

0.5 FTE researcher:

Kristine Marie Vege MD, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital and University of Oslo, PhD-candidate 

Collaborating partners:

Grethe Månum, Beitostølen Healthsports Center and University of Oslo, associate professor, co-supervisor

Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen, Sahlgrenska University, professor, co-supervisor

Ethical approvals  

REK reference numbers: 2) 260955, 3) 483399

Funding

Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital

Time period  

01.01.2019 – 31.12.2025 

Last updated 8/27/2025