Customer Reviews

Life After Head Injury: The Experiences of Twenty Young People and Their Families

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I am a consultant neurosurgeon and received a complimentary copy of this book through the local branch of Headway.

This is an interesting and noteworthy little book which considers, quite literally, life after head injury. The author has selected twenty case studies to demonstrate the problems that often confront survivors of severe brain injury after the acute situation has passed and rehabilitation is deemed complete. She provides an insight into the mental, physical and social frustrations that present after the initial hurdle of survival has been overcome. The examples used relate as much to the medical issues as to the logistical nightmares and to the (unfortunately) not too infrequent lack of knowledge of those caring professionally. The stories are brought to life by using direct quotations from the individuals themselves.

Although the descriptions used are rather simplistic they quite adequately bring to reality the horrific problems of coping, being understood and finding support that people may have in this situation. The effects on parents, siblings and on relationships in general are explored and elucidated for those who may not otherwise have any reason to understand these things.

I am not entirely certain who the intended readership is. Patients and their familes who have experienced these things first hand would not necessarily benefit although it is often helpful to know that someone else knows what is going on. It should certainly be made available to those who have occasion to care acutely, that they may better be able to answer some of the "what ifs" that seem never to be answered adequately at the time. With its brief bibliography it would also be useful starting point to those proposing a study on the subject.

Ideally I feel this short book should be compulsory reading for those charged with planning and implementing health care provision as it affects those suffering head injuries and their families. Although this review is written some years after the intial publication date, little has changed in the provision of support for this cinderella group of patients.