William Winslade presents facts about traumatic brain injury; information about its financial and emotional costs to individuals, families, and society; and key ethical and policy issues. He illustrates each aspect with dramatic case studies, including his own childhood brain injury. He explains how the brain works and how severe injuries affect it, both immediately and over the long term, pointing out how resources are often squandered on patients with poor prognoses and adequate insurance, while underinsured patients with better prognoses do not receive appropriate care. He tells about the lack of regulation in the rehabilitation industry and what federal and state legislatures are doing to correct the situation. And he offers recommendations for policy changes to lower the instances of traumatic brain injury (such as raising the minimum driving age) as well as practical steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from brain trauma.

"A 'must-read.'...Brain injury should be a topic of concern for all Americans and Dr. Winslade's book makes great strides in achieving this goal". -- James S. Brady, from the foreword

"An excellent overview of the causes and prevention of head injury that makes a good case for the fact that public policy on prevention is woefullyinadequate". -- Brent Masel, M.D., president and CEO, The Transitional Learning Community at Galveston