Behavioral Sequelae of Closed Head Injury

We determined the profile of behavioral disturbance in relation to closed head injury of graded severity. Patients with severe injuries, as defined by duration of coma and the presence of neurological deficit, were differentiated from a group of mildly injured patients by behavioral ratings that reflected cognitive disorganization, emotional withdrawal, and motor retardation. Neurologic measurements of injury related to the severity of behavioral disturbance included hemiparesis, aphasia, and abnormalities on computerized axial tomography. Agitation during the acute phase of injury was also predictive of residual behavioral disturbance. Hemispheric lateralization of the site of greatest injury had no discernible effect on behavioral sequelae.