Richard J. Roberts – författare

Moving beyond the debate over whether and to what degree mild head injury has lasting neuropsychological sequelae, this book is predicated on the assumption that it does cause some problems in some circumstances for some people. It focuses on the practical questions of who is injured, how injuries manifest themselves, and what evaluation and treatment strategies are optimal, for families as well as patients. The distinguished authors bring to their task not only scientific expertise but extensive day-to-day clinical experience. This book will be widely welcomed as the first comprehensive overview of what we have learned from research and clinical experience about these difficult cases.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury proposes that there is a diagnosable and treatable sub-type of Persistent Post-Concussive Syndrome (PPCS) following mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This sub-type of PPCS is characterized by: (a) multiple intermittent (or "partial seizure-like") symptoms in the absence of a conventional epileptic syndrome; (b) untriggered, ego-dystonic mood-swings in the absence of clear environmental precipitants; (c) memory lapses and brief gap of "lost time;" and a high prior probability of responding well to treatment with anti-convulsant mood-stabilizers, such as valproic acid (Depakote, Divalproex) and carbamazepine (Tegretol). Both pediatric and adults patients may suffer from this loosely-defined syndrome and may go untreated for months or even years following one or more instances of mild TBI. The authors and contributors, from diverse professional backgrounds - including Adult Neuropsychology, Child Neuropsychology, Sports Medicine, and Neuropsychiatry - present a valuable, expert insight into the needs and methods of treatment for this large and often underserved population.Clearly written, practical, and requiring little knowledge of brain structure and function, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury provides all involved in client care with the tools they need to ensure good outcomes.Of particular value will be the near-unique coverage of the the mechanisms underlying blast-induced neuro-trauma, a subject of great concern to military personnel, care-providers, and their families. Audience