Head injury often underestimated

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study suggests that both doctors and caregivers may underestimate the true impact of a head injury.
It is well known that a head injury can lead to brain damage and cognitive losses. Treatment and rehabilitation tend, therefore, to focus on these areas. However, a study from doctors at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, now reveals that there are also more subtle effects involved in a head injury.

They interviewed 32 patients who were still suffering the effects of a head injury sustained one to ten years previously. The findings were analyzed by a health psychologist, a sociologist, a neuropsychiatrist and individuals from the charity Headway. This revealed areas that need more attention from doctors and caregivers looking after someone with a head injury. For instance, there is often difficulty in following a group conversation and a sense of self-consciousness and a perception of discrimination. Many of those who have sustained a head injury also feel a sense of loss or even grief. Adaptation of rehabilitation strategies could, perhaps, go some way towards addressing these kinds of issues.

Source
BMC Family Practice 27th July 2005

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