Reentry of the head-injured survivor into the educational system: first steps.

It is estimated that 200 per 100,000 individuals will be admitted to hospitals each year with a head injury. Eighty percent of those admitted will be discharged home. The community has few specific head-injury services for these individuals. Approximately 40 percent of the home discharges will be children who, in addition to receiving possible continued medical interventions from community health nurses (CHNs), should receive attention from local education authorities. The CHN, as a local, in-home health practitioner, is a valuable resource to families who need appropriate educational services for their child and associated aid for the other family members.