[Late effects of head trauma].

The recuperation after a head trauma is divided in three phases. Awakening from coma is the initial phase that normally occurs at the intensive care unit. The period of hospitalization when the threatens of death and neurological instability disappear is the intermediate phase. The post concussional syndrome occurs in the late phase, when the patients have been discharged from the hospital. This syndrome, despite the absence of abnormalities in the clinical examination, causes an assortment of ailments that preclude normal activities. Organic neurological sequelae such as hemiplegia, speech disorders, cranial nerve lesions and mental disorders take also place in this phase. An adequate rehabilitation plan for the patient and his family must take into account all these issues.