Abstract
The diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is usually time consuming. In addition, the diagnosis of higher brain dysfunction due to MTBI is difficult and requires additional time; such patients are shifted from one hospital to another in the process of diagnosis, and thus, do not receive sufficient rehabilitation at an early stage. We examined the problems associated with three cases of higher brain dysfunction due to MTBI. In case 1, the definitive diagnosis was delayed, and therefore, sufficient rehabilitation was not received. In addition, the patient's family did not understand her condition, which became a burden to her. In case 2, the patient could not receive complete rehabilitation because of overburdening physical symptoms. In addition, the patient had an ongoing litigation issue about class authorization in the compulsory automobile liability insurance law because the insurance company did not categorize him as a handicap. In case 3, although there were no objective findings in neuropsychological tests, subjective symptoms such as memory defects were severe, and thus, the patient continued “doctor shopping.” Brain magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal abnormalities in any of the three cases. Pathological elucidation, understanding of healthcare professionals, and progress of imaging diagnosis in future are expected to help support patients troubled with higher brain dysfunction due to MTBI.
