Analysis of posttraumatic syndrome following a mild head injury.

Medical, financial and legal implications of prolonged disability after mild head injury are significant. In this study, researchers examined symptoms and psychosocial sequelae of head trauma three and six months after mild head injury in a group of 75 adult patients admitted to the trauma service of St. Anthony Hospital, Denver, Colorado. Results support the following conclusions: (1) nursing observation plays a key role in identification of patients at risk for posttraumatic syndrome; (2) early intervention may facilitate the recovery process; (3) support from family and significant others is an important aspect of recovery; and (4) as expressed by patients and family during follow-up interviews, education by nurses is an important factor in lowering anxiety and frustration during recovery. Data collected identify patients at risk for difficulties in recovery. Symptoms most frequently seen and average length of recovery were also addressed in the study.