Adaptation to Head Injury

Abstract

In most cases, head, injury occurs without warning, and the abruptness of the event alone leads easily to a crisis of adaptation. In addition, head injury as a traumatic event is usually severe enough to be outside what is regarded as the normal range of human experience. Symptoms occur during the first few days and weeks following injury, but may also continue as an indication of a chronic crisis of adaptation. If the symptoms continue for more than six months, the question is one of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder.