Minor head injury may not be 'minor'

Abstract

Trauma to the head and neck can cause minor head injury with a brief alteration in consciousness. Generally, neurologic examination yields normal findings. In some patients, however, postconcussion syndrome marked by headache, dizziness, and neuropsychological deficits (eg, fatigue, cognitive impairment, emotional symptoms) results. This acceleration-deceleration injury with cerebral axonal dysfunction is an organic disease having objective abnormalities that necessitate early neurologic testing and treatment to prevent serious complications.