CASE-REPORT - POSTCONCUSSION SYNDROME AFTER MINOR HEAD-INJURY

A 31-yr-old flight medic struck the top of his head while loading a pa tient onto an ambulance. He sustained a momentary alteration of sensor ium but otherwise seemed fine. Approximately 1 week after the incident , he experienced the onset of headaches and disabling vertigo that per sisted over the next 2 mo, gradually decreasing in severity with time. Although not deemed significant at the time of injury, a mild head in jury can result in postconcussion syndrome, a collection cf neurologic symptoms that can persist for some time before resolving. This case e mphasizes the need for a period of observation after head trauma befor e clearing aviators for flying duties.