
@article{ref1,
title="Workers' recovery from concussions presenting to the emergency department",
journal="Occupational medicine",
year="2019",
author="Gaudet, L. A. and Eliyahu, L. and Beach, J. and Mrazik, M. and Cummings, G. and Voaklander, D. C. and Rowe, Brian H.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The emergency department (ED) is the first point of care for many patients with concussion, and post-concussion syndrome can impact vocational outcomes like successful return to work. Evaluation of concussion in general adult populations is needed. AIMS: To document the occurrence and outcomes of work-related concussion presenting to the ED for treatment. <br><br>METHODS: This study enrolled adults presenting with concussion to three urban Canadian EDs. Baseline ED interviews, physician questionnaires and patient phone interviews at 30 and 90 days documented work-related events, ED management, discharge advice, patient adherence and symptom severity. Work-related injury and return to work were modelled using logistic or linear regression, as appropriate. <br><br>RESULTS: Overall, 172 enrolled workers completed at least one follow-up. Work-related concussions were uncommon (n = 28). Most employees (80%) missed at least 1 day of work (median = 7; interquartile range: 3-14). Most (91%) employees returned to work within 90 days, while 41% reported persistent symptoms. Manual labour and self-reported history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were associated with work-related concussion, while days of missed work increased with marital status (divorced), history of sleep disorder and physician's advice to avoid work. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Work-related concussions are infrequent; however, most workers who sustain a concussion will miss work, and many return while still experiencing symptoms. Work-related concussion and days of missed work are mainly affected by non-modifiable factors. Workers, employers and the workers' compensation system should take necessary precautions to ensure that workers return to work safely and successfully following a concussion.<br><br>© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0962-7480",
doi="10.1093/occmed/kqz089",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqz089"
}