Mild traumatic brain injury--the Fife perspective.

Results are reported from a study to identify patients residing in Fife with mild traumatic brain injury in the 16-65 year old age group, who attended an accident and emergency department following their brain injury. Over a two month period 161 such patients attended with minor head trauma, of which 33 entered our study. The major cause of mild traumatic brain injury was assault. We found that over two-thirds of patients in the study had persisting post-concussive symptoms six months post injury. Neuropsychological testing showed problems of concentration and memory, but not at a level that was significantly different from that expected in an average population. Other studies have shown that symptom rates are higher when patients get no explanation of their symptoms and we feel that better co-ordination of services for brain injured patients in Fife is required, to provide the necessary information, education and support.