Head Injury: The Facts (Oxford Medical Publications) [Paperback]

Dorothy Gronwall (Author), Philip Wrightson (Author), Peter Waddel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1998 | Series: Oxford Medical Publications

Each day, throughout the world, hundreds of people suffer head injuries. These injuries can dramatically and tragically alter the victim's ability to cope with life. In many countries, after-care of the victim, once the injury is no longer life threatening, is often inadequate, and all too often families are left to manage as best as they can. This book is written for families who find themselves in this situation. The effects of injury are explained in non-technical terms with practical ways of overcoming these effects, where possible. The book describes the injuries, the stages that the patient will go through, and the procedures and techniques that will be used to chart progress. The book also examines the ways that head trauma can affect families and friends. For the person who will eventually recover sufficiently to do so, there are suggestions on managing the return to work or school most effectively. For those who will never reach this level, there is a section that describes the long-term adjustments that these people and their caregivers need to make. The final section outlines the requirements of a head injury rehabilitation system, and gives some suggestions about the steps that individuals can take to ensure that this sort of service is provided in their area. This new edition has been fully updated to reflect the recent advances in medical science, and also new trends in health care and rehabilitation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

D. Gronwall, Neuropsychologist, P. Wrightson, Neurosurgeon, and P. Waddell, Neuropsychologist, all work at the Auckland Hospital, New Zealand.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (March 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192627139
• ISBN-13: 978-0192627131
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #630,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally! The Straight Scoop on TBI, March 25, 2000

By 

Janine Madrid - See all my reviews

This review is from: Head Injury: The Facts (Oxford Medical Publications) (Paperback)

I am thrilled at the selection available on this site andsuggest browsing through the "related subject" section forlots more books on Brain Injury...thank you Amazon.com! Prior to getting this book, everything I read dealt with MILD TBI...my sister sustained a very severe brain injury in an auto accident 11/7/99. My family ignorantly believed that her behavior post trauma was "real" and not a result of an injury, since my sister was a troubled person prior to the wreck. As we sat in the hospital, I read excerpts from this portable paperback aloud. Finally, my family was able to understand what I meant when I said that my sister was truly a "textbook case" of a brain injured person! Through three case studies involving a child, a young adult male, and a professional woman, the authors describe behaviors, feelings, and possible outcomes. It was comforting to know that my sister's deficits and her own lack of "insight" into her deficits were very common. My heart and prayers go out to all survivors and loved ones of victims of TBI...the road back is so hard that without resources like this book, it is close to impossible to navigate with any kind of serenity.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative must read for the Head Injured and Caregivers., May 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Head Injury: The Facts (Oxford Medical Publications) (Paperback)

This book say it all in a most readable way. It could be handed to a recent head injured person who is still confused as a tool to help understand what is happening to them. It should be compulsory reading for every family member and care giver of the head injured . My family and friends have all read it and I must say it transformed their attitude and understanding as to what I was dealing with. It is written in simple but concise language you do not have to have a degree to understand. It uses real life examples which enables one to be able to associate with individual aspects of what is being relayed. Not only does it formulate the problems but gives concise direction as to available solutions and strategies that can be adopted by all parties. I know that this book has been a most valuable tool in my development after my head injury and feel it has great merit. A viable gift to anyone with a head injury or has a head injury in the family.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars learning about brain injury, June 14, 2002

By 

"rambla" (austin, tx United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Head Injury: The Facts (Oxford Medical Publications) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent overview of the basic facts associated with brain injury. It clearly presents the nature of brain injury and the aftermath, both immediate and long term. It relates incidents of behavior and ways of coping with the difficulties during the recovery period.

The description of the matter of expectations and a realistic approach to the condition of the brain injured is helpful in dealing with the stress of sometimes confusing, frustrating and sudden change in the injured person and the family.

The kinds of related healthcare professionals and their functions are identified. The book is organized in a way that information is easily accessible; it contains useful and practical tips.

Altogether this is a very helpful guide through what is often a frightening, confusing and unfamiliar process.