Citation

Colantonio A, Comper P. Work 2012; 43(2): 195-201.

Affiliation

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 550 University Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, IOS Press)

DOI

10.3233/WOR-2012-1377

PMID

22927617

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the nature and extent of persistent post-injury symptoms of persons who have experienced a work-related traumatic brain injury (WrTBI) in Ontario, Canada. Methods: Using a retrospective case series design, post-injury symptoms, occupation, and work factors were examined for WrTBIs among an adult population. Data were abstracted from medical records of individuals who sustained a WrTBI and were discharged from a referral-based outpatient neurology service between the years of 1998 and 2001.Results: Of the 435 individuals who sustained a WrTBI, most were ⩾ 45 years of age and male. Approximately 50% had injuries to the head only, while others had other injuries. The most common post-injury symptoms were headaches (85.1%), memory changes (74.3%), and mood/personality changes (68.3%). A small subset of individuals reported very long-term post-injury symptoms, and a majority of individuals had not yet returned to work. Conclusions: This study profiles the demographic and clinical characteristics of an outpatient injured worker population with a history of WrTBI which provides a basis for the planning and implementation of assessment and treatment programs for this clinical population.

Language: en