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In the course of a program of rehabilitation of brain-wounded veterans and civilians carried out since 1945 in the Institute, reactions of the patients were the subject of long study and observation.
In view of the program of the Institute aiming at physical, psychological, social and vocational rehabilitation a whole team of workers had the opportunity to observe the patients from various angles and in different aspects of their activity. To all of them, instructors, therapists, psychologists, and social workers, this writer wishes to express his gratitude and appreciation for their continuous efforts in behalf of our patients and for the wealth of information which they have enabled us to secure.
For the purpose of a synthetic presentation this paper will refrain from the usual method of describing various cases but will rather attempt to give an analysis of essential reactions observed. There are some basic elements in the feeling of weakness experienced by our patients, and we will study them at first before proceeding to more complex reactions.
It seems that, to most patients, the awareness of a serious damage to an important organ is a source of great concern. Even after all the direct consequences of the brain damage have disappeared the patient may experience misgivings as to the hurt to which he had been subjected and as to his future. He is afraid that he will never be the same as before and it is not surprising that this anxiety materializes