ABSTRACT

Head injuries generally follow high velocity trauma. An altered level of consciousness is the hallmark, usually evident immediately, which may progress within hours. Occasionally, late complications become evident after a few weeks. Sixty per cent of all road trauma deaths are due to head injury. Immediate action, to prevent anoxia, maintain cerebral perfusion, reduce cerebral compression and prevent infection, are the aims of treatment. Rehabilitation following a major head injury requires prolonged, expensive, intensive, multidisciplinary therapy.