There's no question that brain injuries are serious. Traumatic brain injuries, serious though they can be, do not always result in permanent problems. But a long-held belief in the medical community that children are not as vulnerable to the negative effects of such an injury is being called into question by two new studies.

According to a CNN article, the studies show that children who have severe traumatic brain injuries early in their lives may see impaired long-term intellectual ability and cognitive development.

One study took a look at 40 children between the ages of two and seven who had suffered a traumatic brain injury. The children in the study were examined immediately following the injury, then 12 months later, after another 30 months and then 10 years later.

The research found that those who suffered mild injuries did not face many negative effects, such as a deficit in intellectual abilities. However, among those who suffered more severe traumatic brain injuries, they often had delays or problems in their social, intellectual and behavioral development.

Another study, which compared the functions of 53 children who suffered an injury before the age of three, found similar results. Again, those who suffered more severe injuries were found to have lowered or delayed intellectual function.

The research shows that there is a correlation between severe brain injuries and intellectual delays in children. It should serve as a sign to parents to take extra precautions to prevent children from enduring such injuries.

Source: CNN, "Severe traumatic brain injury affects development in young children," Caitlin Hagan, Jan. 23, 2012