Head / Brain Injuries - Additional Information

Very generally speaking, damage to the following area of the brain can result in loss the corresponding abilities:

• Frontal area - higher intellect, self-control, inhibitions, emotions, cognition, and memory
• Frontal top - voluntary eye movement
• Top - voluntary muscle movement
• Top rear - sensations
• Rear - vision
• Lower Rear - equilibrium and muscle coordination

Common Symptoms of head injuries include:

Acute Injury: (short term after injury)

• headache, nausea, dizziness
• general malaise, irritability
• light/noise sensitive
• diminished concentration, memory impairment
• rapid fatigue, increased need for sleep
• blurred vision

Moderate Injury: (continues after reasonable healingtime period)

• behavior changes
• cognitive impairment (thinking/memory)
• frequent headaches & fatigue
• change in reaction to symptoms (depression, anger, stress, chronic pain)
• failure to perform job due to cognitive effects, stress, and or fatigue
• functional / behavioral changes

Issues relevant to any head injury case include the following:

• Was there a direct blow to the head
• Superficial trauma to head noted in records
• Witnesses to loss of consciousness
• Length of unconsciousness
• Recollection of events leading up to / following the incident
• Hospitalization
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Education / vocational training
• Current occupation
• Past occupation
• Length of time in occupations
• Number of hours worked per day/per week
• Possible job modifications
• Marital Status / age
• Social activities before accident
• Change in behavior noted by spouse, family, friends
• Ability to function on the job
• Level of socialization before and after injury
• Type of treatment available
• Level of functioning restored

Lots of additional information can be located at:

• The Brain Injury Center
• Brain Injury Association of America
• Head Injuries in Children
• Medline - Brain Injuries