A concussion results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can damage brain cells, temporarily changing brain function. While generally not life-threatening, concussions are serious injuries. Working with a concussion is complex and individualized, as pushing through symptoms can prolong recovery.
Understanding Concussion and Its Impact on Work
Concussion symptoms interfere with work performance, presenting as cognitive, physical, and sensory challenges. Cognitive symptoms include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mental fog, and slowed processing of information. These can make tasks like reading emails, attending meetings, or making decisions challenging.
Physical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and balance issues. These affect an individual’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks, maintain posture, or navigate the workplace safely. Sensory symptoms, such as sensitivity to light or sound, make office environments overwhelming. Attempting to work through symptoms can worsen the injury, delaying recovery and leading to prolonged dysfunction.
The Importance of Rest and Gradual Return
Initial recovery from a concussion emphasizes “active rest,” which involves limiting cognitive and physical exertion without requiring complete bed rest. Engaging in light activities of daily living, like short walks or preparing meals, is encouraged within the first 24 to 48 hours, provided symptoms do not worsen significantly.
Following this initial phase, a “gradual return to activity” or “phased return” approach is recommended. This means slowly increasing cognitive and physical demands as symptoms permit, guided by individual tolerance rather than a fixed timeline. For work, this might involve starting with reduced hours, lighter tasks, and progressively increasing workload and duration. Recovery is not always linear, and symptoms may fluctuate.
Navigating Your Return to Work
Returning to work after a concussion requires careful planning and open communication with your employer. Discuss your limitations and needs with human resources, your manager, and supervisors. Providing documentation from a healthcare professional outlining recommendations for your return is beneficial.
Workplace accommodations aid reintegration. Accommodations include reduced hours, frequent short breaks, and minimizing screen time to alleviate eye strain and cognitive overload. Other adjustments include working in a quieter space, flexible scheduling, or temporarily reassigning less demanding tasks. These modifications help manage symptoms and prevent overexertion, supporting a smoother transition to full duties.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention or Adjust
Ongoing medical supervision is important for recovery and to guide the return-to-work plan. Be aware of warning signs indicating worsening or un-improving symptoms, which may require further medical attention or plan adjustment.
Signs for immediate medical consultation include worsening severe or persistent headaches, increased dizziness, nausea, or new neurological symptoms (e.g., numbness, weakness). Increased confusion, significant emotional changes, or difficulty being awakened also indicate urgent medical review. The return-to-work plan should remain flexible and be adjusted based on how an individual is feeling, as self-assessment can sometimes be unreliable.