Living with Mild Brain Injury: The Difficulties of Diagnosis and Recovery from Post-Concussion Syndrome

By Pauline O'Connor

A unique, personal account of the impact a mild traumatic brain injury has on the author and those around her, including descriptions of hidden symptoms, pitfalls in diagnoses, the uneven progress of recovery and the effect of the varied reactions which others have to an acquired brain injury.
No two head injuries are the same, but they are similar and this narrative incorporates recovered memories alongside extracts from clinic notes, diary entries and emails to reflect the disjointed progress of diagnosis and recovery. The reader will gain an appreciation of the confusion experienced by many brain injury survivors and will be shown why some may develop odd behaviour or mental health issues, and how such issues can be alleviated. Brain injuries are poorly understood by the general public which leads to difficult interactions, and complications in diagnosis means some may not realise they have this milder form of brain injury.
This book will enlighten brain injury survivors and affected families, and allow professionals an insight into their patient’s experiences. As concerns grow over the risks which contact sports pose, this book shows how mild brain injuries can wreck havoc with careers, relationships and one’s sense of self.