123  The Incidence of neurological symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injuries and return to work. Issue 6 (27th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McHattie, Andrew; Jenkins, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 93:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: A48
• Page End: A49
• Publication Date: 2022-05-27
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-ABN.156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To investigate: 1) The incidence of neurological symptoms in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinic; 2) The relationship between symptoms and injury severity; 3) The cause of persistent symptoms; 4) The factors preventing return-to-work Background: Persistent symptoms after even a mild TBI are common. The diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome is often used in this situation with the assumption that symptoms will self-resolve. However, this is frequently not the case and neurological and neuropsychiatric diagnoses including migraine, BPPV and anxiety often underlie these persistent symptoms. Methods: 66 patients with a range of TBI severities were evaluated in a dedicated TBI clinic. Data was collected on the incidence of neurological symptoms, symptom persistence, and return-to-work rates. Results: There was a high incidence of neurological diagnoses, particularly migraine and BPPV. Both were associated with an increased odds ratio of failure to return-to-work within 30 days. Migraine, in particular, was a common cause of persistent symptoms. Conclusions: Neurological diagnoses are common causes of persistent symptoms post-TBI. Their incidence is associated with a failure to return-to-work. Post-concussion syndrome is an unhelpful diagnostic label as it incorrectly assumes self-resolution of symptoms; instead, diagnostic clarity for each individual is necessary to help guide treatment. [e-mail]