Rehabilitation considerations following mild traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries occur at epidemic rates with annual incidence in the United States reported at several million (Berker, 1996). The majority of these injuries are classified as mild in severity (Gamboa, 1994). Many who suffer mild traumatic brain injury experience impairments in cognitive and psychological functioning that can impede employment, resulting in decreased performance and frequent job changes. Efficient and effective rehabilitation is imperative for reducing the personal and economic losses associated with mild traumatic brain injury. An overview of rehabilitation following mild traumatic brain injury is provided, with emphasis on the contribution of neuropsychological assessment to the rehabilitation process, types of rehabilitation services that can be usefully employed, and the critical role of vocational rehabilitation.