Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Business Headlines | Internet | Science | Scientific Ethics | Technology | Search

 

How well are we recovering?


How well are we recovering?


A look at work limitations four years after mild traumatic brain injury

A new study from researchers at the Auckland University of Technology’s National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience has discovered a dramatic link between people who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as concussion, and their employment status four years later.

The study examined 245 adults that had been working prior to experiencing a mild TBI. Even allowing for the fact that changing jobs, and even careers, is more frequent today than it has been in the past, the research has found that people who had suffered mild TBI were more likely to have exited the workforce for reasons other than retirement or study in the four years post injury.

A further 15.5% of participants in the study also reported experiencing limitations at work, such as struggling to concentrate, sticking to a routine and managing their workload. Returning to work is a key outcome in TBI rehabilitation, with links to improved psychological well-being and quality of life. Delayed return or reduced capacity results in considerable lost earnings and long-term treatment costs.

“Around 90% of adults will return to pre-injury employment within two months of sustaining a mild TBI” says Associate Professor Alice Theadom.

“However, between 22% and 48% of those will experience persistent symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue and difficulties processing information for at least one year following injury which can make it very difficult to function effectively at work.”

The AUT research found that subjects who find themselves ‘taking longer to think’ one month post-injury were most likely to also experience work productivity loss four years later. Findings that suggest that subsequent interventions to address these difficulties early are required to help patients to cope with persistent impacts and to increase productivity at work.

ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.