The head-injured family

Abstract

Many researchers and clinicians have commented on family disturbances after head injury, showing that such changes can be severe, functionally significant, and prolonged. However, little is known about the detailed nature and mechanisms of such changes, and there are many unresolved issues in the literature including the specification of the natural history of such changes (is there a consistent natural history?), and the prediction, consequences, and management of such changes. This paper reviews the evolution of family changes within the first 15 years after injury, and identifies some of the patient and family variables that predict the adequacy of family coping, before considering the nature and effectiveness of attempts to improve family coping.