Whether they are caused by traffic accidents, incidents of violence, or occur during sports or leisure activities, as many do, head injuries can dramatically and tragically alter the victim's ability to cope with life. They also present unique problems for caregivers and families of patients. Accompanying personality changes and disorders, lingering effects such as headache and dizziness, and the sheer difficulty in predicting the duration of the healing process and its eventual outcome all combine to create special stresses for those involved. This book offers a clear description of the facts of head injury in terms understandable to patients and their families, as well as health care staff. It explains both physical and psychological effects and how they may best be confronted, and possibly overcome. It takes the reader from hospital emergency room thorough the posthospital experience, detailing the stages of recovery and techniques for charting progress. The book also discusses the ways that head trauma can affect families and friends, and, for patients who have recovered sufficiently, there are suggestions on managing the return to normal living. For those with more serious injuries, a section describes the long-term adjustments that victims and their caregivers will need to make. The final section outlines the requirements of a typical head injury rehabilitation system, and suggests ways for individuals to make sure they have an opportunity to participate. The authors have many years of experience working with head injured people and the organizations that have been formed to help them.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [144]) and index.

1. Introduction

2. What Happens in a Head Injury

3. In Hospital

4. Leaving Hospital--What Happens Now?

5. The Continuing Effects of Injury

6. Some Special Problems

7. People with Special Problems

8. How Long Will it Take for the Patient to Recover?

9. Back to Work and Study

10. Long-Term Adjustment

11. What Needs Doing