[7] Patients recovering from a closed-head or traumatic brain injury often suffer from decreased self-esteem and depression.
Patients who have suffered head injuries also show higher levels of unemployment, which can lead to the development of secondary symptoms.
[12] The ASCOT probability of survival encapsulates several of the variables measured in the Glasgow Coma Scale but also includes systolic blood pressure, respiration rates upon admission, and anatomic injuries.
There are several different drugs that have been used to alleviate symptoms experienced after a head injury including anti-depressants such as amitriptyline and sertraline.
[15] An antidiuretic called Desmopressin Acetate (DDAVP) has also been shown to improve memory performance in patients[15] Recent studies have examined the preventative effects of progesterone on brain injuries.
Preliminary results have shown a 50% reduction in mortality in those treated with progesterone and showed an improved functional outcome.
Patient education has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to decrease secondary symptoms seen with closed-head injuries.
Patient education often includes working with a therapist to review symptom management and learn about returning to regular activities.
[15] Other types of rehabilitation focus on raising patient's self-esteem by giving him tasks that can be successfully completed despite any cognitive changes as a result of the brain injury.
[19] Helmets can be used to decrease closed-head injuries acquired during athletic activities, and are considered necessary for sports such as American "tackle" football, where frequent head impacts are a normal part of the game.
[20] The similar sports of Australian-rules football and rugby are always played helmetless, and see far fewer traumatic brain injuries.
[22] However, other sources have shown that bicycle-helmet promotion reduces cycling, often with no per-cyclist reduction in traumatic brain injury.
[27] Unfortunately, just as people greatly overestimate the traumatic brain injury danger of bicycling, they greatly underestimate the risk of motoring, which remains the largest source of traumatic brain injury in the developed world, despite the protective effects of seatbelts and airbags.