Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
The Post Traumatic Amnesic Syndrome, which follows a mild closed head injury, seems to be a common occurrence in the field of neuropsychology. The syndrome is primarily characterised by a transient memory loss of daily events, normally commencing within days after the injury. The symptoms include absent-mindedness, an inability to remember names, dates, numbers and faces, commands and orders given at work. Due to the relatively uncomplicated nature of a mild closed head injury, the syndrome is often overlooked and underestimated in terms of its intensity and psychological damage. Patients are sent home after a brief observation period and medical staff are of the opinion that the patients will recover successfully, without experiencing much psychological or cognitive strain. It is usually thought that the syndrome does not last for more than three to four months. The aim of the research was to determine the nature of the experience of not being able to remember daily events, as part of the post traumatic amnesic syndrome. The influence of the syndrome on the patients' support persons was also investigated