Hukommelsestab skal plejes metodisk

Every year, some 12,000-15,000 Danes meet with a contusion of the skull, which is the clinical definition of a blow to the head which leads to serious concussion or brain injury. Studies show that all patients subjected to a contusion of the skull can be expected to suffer amnesia after the accident.

Amnesia means loss of memory, and post traumatic amnesia (PTA) is the form of amnesia which results from a contusion of the skull.

The amnesia can prolong hospitalisation, be significant to rehabilitation and lead to an overall poorer prognosis. Studies show that the shorter the period of amnesia, the better the prognosis will be. The duration of PTA is today considered to be one of the most important factors in the prognosis of patients with a contusion of the skull.

Patients with PTA will show behavioural changes. Typical symptoms include loss of memory, reduced ability to learn, confusion, restlessness, a lack of inhibition.

Several studies have shown that orientation will return before the loss of memory, so nurses can therefore commence reality orientation in the early stages of rehab. A Canadian project has shown that nurses can apply care based on the principles of standardisation, continuity and homogeneity to patients with PTA.

Standardisation of the care of PTA patients is likely to shorten the period they suffer from PTA, thus improving their prognosis.