Craniocerebral Injuries

The postconcussion syndrome is a definite entity, and the patient's complaints are due to legitimate injury. The following three factors contribute to the symptomatology:1. Headaches, caused by the associated sprain of the cervical spine with resultant radiculitis-giving rise to muscle spasm and suboccipital headaches.2. Vertigo, due to trauma of the vestibular and labyrinthine apparatus.3. A vasomotor imbalance and instability resulting from the reaction to "stress."In treatment of an unconscious patient great care must be taken to prevent anoxia and to balance the fluids and electrolytes. If coma develops following brain injury, hemorrhage into the cerebellar fossa as well as above the tentorium must be considered.