Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Over 325,000 Americans annually suffer mild head trauma from automobile accidents, assaults, falls, sports injuries, etc. With a diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), the individual will be told to rest for a few days or weeks, and, with luck, that may be the end of it. Unfortunately, many of those affected suffer ongoing, debilitating symptoms?migraines, depression, seizures, etc.?for months or even years. Symptoms are unpredictable and are difficult to diagnose because there is no single test to detect MTBI and postconcussive syndrome (PCS). Stoler, a practicing psychologist who has herself experienced mild head injury, and Hill, a psychologist and writer, have compiled a comprehensive manual explaining what is involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of brain-injured people. Presenting short case studies, they discuss the difficult diagnostic context of head trauma and offer practical suggestions for coping with physical and emotional repercussions. Especially valuable for patient education libraries.?James Swanton, Harlem Hosp., New YorkCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.