ABSTRACT
The epidemiology, neurological evaluation, and neuropsychological assessment of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) have recently gained the attention of both researchers and clinicians. The evaluation and treatment of emotional sequelae have received less attention (O’Hara, 1988). Many individuals with MTBI sustain minimal or no loss of consciousness, and therefore receive minimal (or no) medical follow-up or education (Kraus & Nourjah, 1988). As a result, they receive little if any information about possible sequelae following their injury, and do not know why they are experiencing cognitive, physical, and/or emotional problems. This lack of information often results in “unexplainable” symptoms that may cause emotional distress, confusion, and the inaccurate perception that a person is “going crazy.” Even following a brief emergency room visit or neurological/ neuropsychological screening, evidence of MTBI may be over-looked, and individuals may be told prematurely that all of their symptoms will clear. This prognosis may lead individuals to have unrealistic expectations about recovery, readiness to return to work, and ability to resume responsibilities. When they do return to work, they may be faced with family members, employers, and coworkers who are confused about the presentation of new “odd” behaviors, emotional displays, and lapses of memory. Failure to understand the cause of these behaviors can lead to misinterpretation of the symptoms as being due to malingering or laziness, resulting in the isolation of patients with MTBI from much-needed support.
