ABSTRACT

In this chapter, before considering traumatic brain injury (TBI), I provide a very brief outline of brain structures. Next, I define TBI and explain ‘open’ and ‘closed’ injuries and immediate and delayed injuries. The chapter sets out some of the implications of TBI with reference to neurological problems, attention and memory, the visual system, executive functions, communication, and behaviour. I give estimates of the prevalence of TBI and briefly consider causal factors. Identification and assessment are introduced in relation to the Glasgow Coma Scale (Teasedale and Jennet, 1974), observing the length of coma, and observing the length of post-traumatic amnesia.