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Barton D. Schmitt, MD

Am J Dis Child. 1975;129(11):1313-1318.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

Minimal brain dysfunction (MBD) is a diagnostic term. It is used synonymously with minimal cerebral dysfunction and minimal brain damage. It implies verification of an organic cause. When a symptom is attributed to MBD, the symptom is assumed to be secondary to a cerebral structural abnormality resulting from trauma, infection, hypoxia, or other central nervous system (CNS) disease.¹ At least 100 clinical manifestations are listed under MBD, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, visual perception problems, dysarthria, hyperactivity, poor attention span, temper tantrums, aggression, clumsiness, and vague spells. By definition, the children have to be of normal intelligence. The prevalence of the MBD syndrome is allegedly greater than any other chronic disease. It has been estimated that 10% to 20% of the total population is affected.

The current problem with the MBD syndrome is that it has become an all-encompassing, wastebasket diagnosis for any child who does not quite conform to . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver.

Footnotes
Received for publication Jan 10, 1975; accepted March 20.

Reprint requests to Container C230, University of Colorado Medical Center, 4200 E Ninth Ave, Denver, CO 80220 (Dr. Schmitt).

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