LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF HEAD-INJURY - DISCUSSION OF THE EVIDENCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE PREPARATION OF LEGAL REPORTS

An outline is presented of the longer term consequences of severe closed head injury (i.e. those exceeding the period of post-traumatic amnesia). It is shown that head injury can have very serious consequences for the victim. Despite the fact that measures of IQ have been claimed to show considerable recovery it is likely that severe head injury invariably results in some degree of permanent functional impairment. The vexatious issue of the 'post-concussional syndrome' is discussed and the conclusion is reached that it is unlikely that this syndrome is solely produced by the possibility of compensation.