LATE EFFECTS OF HEAD TRAUMA

he recuperation after a head trauma is divided in three phases. Awaken ing from coma is the initial phase that normally occurs at the intensi ve care unit. The period of hospitalization when the threatens of deat h and neurological instability disappear is the intermediate phase. Th e post concussional syndrome occurs in the late phase, when the patien ts have been discharged from the hospital. This syndrome, despite the absence of abnormalities in the clinical examination, causes an assort ment 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 rehabi litation plan for the patient and his family must take into account al l these issues.