title: Considerations for return to work following traumatic brain injury.
abstract: Population-based studies have demonstrated that a history positive for traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in cognitive impairment, behavioral alterations, and pain. These outcomes can and do influence occupational function, can affect others in the workplace, and raise concerns about workplace safety upon re-entry to the workplace. Risk for long-term impairment and disability can in some cases be mitigated by assessment of capabilities relative to job duties, conservative return-to-work schedules, and, in some cases, interventions to support that return. For those in occupations at high risk for brain injury, including first responders, soldiers, and construction workers, the long-term risk of brain injury as a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease must and should inform increased concern for those with repeated injuries to the brain over the course of their lifetime and career. This chapter reviews the risks of TBI, considers factors that optimize functional recovery, and discusses potential interventions and factors that aid in return to the workplace.
authors.affiliation: Baylor Scott and White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA. Electronic address: deborahmlittle@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Deborah M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Little
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Institute, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA; Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Institute, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA; Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Sandra B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Morissette
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Klocek
mesh_terms: D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D062707:Return to Work
keywords: concussion; impairment; return to work; traumatic brain injury