Alcohol dependence, head injury and memory impairment.

In a follow-up of 52 alcoholic head injured patients for a period of 18 months, 14 patients were found to abstain from alcohol totally. The rest resumed alcohol consumption between three and six months. Leaving out three patients with other complications. 11 patients in the abstainer group were compared with equivalent groups of persistent abusers, and non-alcoholic head injured patients, using PG1 Memory Scali. The performance of the groups ^indicated that persistent abusers wire the poorest and that abstinence were followed by welcome change in memory. Qualitative analysis of the results and their implications for the rehabilitation of the alcoholic head injured patient are discussed.