Each year, 400,000 to 600,000 individuals suffer traumatic head injury. Of these, approximately 30,000 to 50,000 will encounter long-term disability. The prevalence of head injury and the myriad of problems associated with it, make it critical that rehabilitation professionals possess basic knowledge of the problems and deficits encountered by head injured clients. This article addresses those aspects of head injury which are felt to be pertinent to the rehabilitation of the head injured client. Common deficits, resulting behavior, and suggestions are discussed as they relate to left and right cerebral damage. Communication and visuospatial deficits are important considerations when serving a head injured client. The head injured client's fatigability, memory deficits, loss of competence, increased anxiety, and motivation are examined from the rehabilitative perspective. Successful rehabilitation of the head injured client, although possible, is complicated by numerous factors not always encountered with other disabling conditions.
Long-term disabilities after traumatic head injury (THI): a retrospective analysis from a large level-I trauma center in Saudi Arabia