Recognition memory alterations after severe head injury. Preliminary results in a series of 50 patients.

The Authors report a study on recognition memory in a series of 50 severe head injuries. The effect of cerebral trauma is expressed by reduction in recognition memory and in learning. A significant difference is found between frontal lesions and temporal lesions. Left temporal lobe damage causes a more severe deficit than right temporal lobe damage. Extradural and subdural haematomas cause no such severe deficit. Neurological syndrome of level of lesion significantly correlates with the performance. PTA duration shows no relation.