Each day, throughout the world, hundreds of people suffer head injuries. These injuries can dramatically and tragically alter the victim’s ability to cope with life. In many countries, after-care of the victim, once the injury is no longer life threatening, is often inadequate, and all too often families are left to manage as best as they can. This book is written for families who find themselves in this situation. The effects of injury are explained in non-technical terms with practical ways of overcoming these effects, where possible. The book describes the injuries, the stages that the patient will go through, and the procedures and techniques that will be used to chart progress. The book also examines the ways that head trauma can affect families and friends. For the person who will eventually recover sufficiently to do so, there are suggestions on managing the return to work or school most effectively. For those who will never reach this level, there is a section that describes the long-term adjustments that these people and their caregivers need to make. The final section outlines the requirements of a head injury rehabilitation system, and gives some suggestions about the steps that individuals can take to ensure that this sort of service is provided in their area. This new edition has been fully updated to reflect the recent advances in medical science, and also new trends in health care and rehabilitation.

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