Case report: postconcussion syndrome after minor head injury.
A 31-yr-old flight medic struck the top of his head while loading a patient onto an ambulance. He sustained a momentary alteration of sensorium but otherwise seemed fine. Approximately 1 week after the incident, he experienced the onset of headaches and disabling vertigo that persisted over the next 2 mo, gradually decreasing in severity with time. Although not deemed significant at the time of injury, a mild head injury can result in postconcussion syndrome, a collection of neurologic symptoms that can persist for some time before resolving. This case emphasizes the need for a period of observation after head trauma before clearing aviators for flying duties.
36th Medical Evacuation Battalion, Ft. Hood, TX, USA.
S C
SC
Wright
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications*; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013577:Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*