[Severe mental disorders after prolonged post-traumatic coma]

Using observation in a number of patients with severe closed head injuries followed by prolonged coma and of which three are reported in detail, the authors present an analysis of the resulting psychiatric problems. After a brief review of the literature they suggest a central psychopathological "core" common to such head injuries beneath their seemingly diverse symptomatology. This "core" seems to be built up around the following disturbances: 1) Memory disorders; 2) Perceptual problems and difficulties with the association of ideas; 3) Excessive tiredness and concomitant reduction in the powers of concentration.