TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Traumatic brain injuries are a major concern not only for those hurt in war and sports, but also in many other areas.

Many of the headlines surrounding brain injuries have focused on football-related injuries, but this broad look at the topic makes clear there are many varieties that should demand attention. The person suffering could be an infant victim of shaken-baby syndrome or a soldier coping with the aftereffects of head injury from war, among other causes. Goldsmith provides basic information about the brain and the definition of TBI as well as explaining the different types of concussions. Individual chapters explore currently prominent themes, especially sports-related injuries, war wounds and damage caused by motor vehicle accidents. Even an event as common as falling down is examined. The exploration concludes with looks at coping with TBI and what might be on the horizon for research and treatment. A lot of ground is covered in this slim volume, but it is a solid introduction to the topic. It makes good use of graphics, photographs and sidebars to deliver complicated information. There is comprehensive backmatter: glossary, source notes, index, photo credits and selected bibliography, featuring only titles from the last few years. Particularly valuable is a section called “For Further Information,” with books, organizations and websites, suicide-awareness and -prevention sources, and videos.

An efficient survey of a timely topic.