scholarly journals Workers’ recovery from concussions presenting to the emergency department

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 419-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
L A Gaudet ◽  
L Eliyahu ◽  
J Beach ◽  
M Mrazik ◽  
G Cummings ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe 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.AimsTo document the occurrence and outcomes of work-related concussion presenting to the ED for treatment.MethodsThis 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.ResultsOverall, 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.ConclusionWork-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.

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S61
Author(s):  
L. Gaudet ◽  
L. Eliyahu ◽  
J. Lowes ◽  
J. Beach ◽  
M. Mrazik ◽  
...  

Introduction: Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) frequently present to the emergency department (ED); however, wide variation in diagnosis and management has been demonstrated in this setting. Sub-optimal mTBI management can contribute to post-concussion syndrome (PCS), affecting vocational outcomes like return to work. This study documented the work-related events, ED management, discharge advice, and outcomes for employed patients presenting to the ED with mTBI. Methods: Adult (>17 years) patients presenting to one of three urban EDs in Edmonton, Alberta with Glasgow coma scale score ≥13 within 72 hours of a concussive event were recruited by on-site research assistants. Follow-up calls ascertained outcomes, including symptoms and their severity, advice received in the ED, and adherence to discharge instructions, at 30 and 90 days after ED discharge. Dichotomous variables were analyzed using chi-square testing; continuous variables were compared using t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, as appropriate. Work-related injury and return to work outcomes were modelled using logistic or linear regression, as appropriate. Results: Overall, 250 patents were enrolled; 172 (69%) were employed at the time of their injury and completed at least one follow-up. The median age was 37 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 24, 49.5), both sexes were equally represented (48% male), and work-related concussions were uncommon (16%). Work-related concussion was related to manual labor jobs and self-reported history of attention deficit disorder. Patients often received advice to avoid sports (81%) and/or work (71%); however, the duration of recommended time off varied. Most employed patients (80%) missed at least one day of work (median=7 days; IQR: 3, 14); 91% of employees returned to work by 90 days, despite 41% reporting persistent symptoms. Increased days of missed work were linked to divorce, history of sleep disorder, and physician’s advice to avoid work. Conclusion: While work-related concussions are uncommon, most employees who sustain a mTBI at any time miss some work. Many patients experience mTBI symptoms past 90 days, which has serious implications for workers’ abilities to fulfill their work duties and risk of subsequent injury. Workers, employers, and the workers compensation system should take the necessary precautions to ensure that workers return to work safely and successfully following a concussion.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Tucker Price ◽  
Alexei O DeCastro ◽  
Clive D Brock

Sport-related concussions in youth and adolescent athletes most commonly resolve within one week without residual symptoms, with athletes resuming full participation following return to play guidelines. A small percentage of athletes have persistent symptoms that cause significant morbidity, some of whom are ultimately diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. In these athletes, symptoms in the emotional domain can be more prolonged than other domains, with athletes reporting anxiety and depression months to years following injury. A prior personal or family history of pre-existing mood disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder increases the risk of a prolonged duration of symptoms. In this case series, we discuss two cases of post-concussion syndrome in adolescent athletes with a past personal or family history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression treated by a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication with ongoing persistent symptoms. There is increased need for mental health screening in all athletes to identify individuals at risk for post-concussion syndrome. Early identification of at-risk individuals allows the interdisciplinary care team to discuss expectations for the athlete and family regarding duration of symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 2050313X2095222
Author(s):  
Susan Vaughan Kratz

This case report illustrates the treatment outcomes of a collegiate athlete presenting with an 18-month history of post-concussion syndrome who received a series of mixed manual therapies in isolation of other therapy. Persistent symptoms were self-reported as debilitating, contributing to self-removal from participation in school, work, and leisure activities. Patient and parent interviews captured the history of multiple concussions and other sports-related injuries. Neurological screening and activities of daily living were baseline measured. Post-Concussion Symptom Checklist and Headache Impact Test-6™ were utilized to track symptom severity. Treatments applied included craniosacral therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and glymphatic techniques. Eleven treatment sessions were administered over 3 months. Results indicated restoration of oxygen saturation, normalized pupil reactivity, and satisfactory sleep. Post-concussion syndrome symptom severity was reduced by 87% as reflected by accumulative Post-Concussion Symptom Checklist scores. Relief from chronic headaches was achieved, reflected by Headache Impact Test-6 scores. Restoration of mood and quality of life were reported. A 6-month follow-up revealed symptoms remained abated with full re-engagement of daily activities. The author hypothesized that post-concussion syndrome symptoms were related to compression of craniosacral system structures and lymphatic fluid stagnation that contributed to head pressure pain, severe sleep deprivation, and multiple neurological and psychological symptoms. Positive outcomes over a relatively short period of time without adverse effects suggest these therapies may offer viable options for the treatment of post-concussion syndrome.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-51
Author(s):  
Jamaji C Nwanaji-Enwerem ◽  
◽  
Adaira Landry ◽  

A 29-year-old woman with a history of obesity status post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass greater than five years prior presented to the emergency department with four hours of sudden-onset stabbing left-sided abdominal pain associated with nausea and non-bloody emesis. She denied melaena and hematochezia, but did report two weeks of diarrhoea that was unchanged with this new onset abdominal pain.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 400-406
Author(s):  
C M H Chan ◽  
J E Wong ◽  
L H Wee ◽  
N A Jamil ◽  
L L L Yeap ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Past research on work engagement has focused almost exclusively on either psychological or work-related factors in almost wholly separate literature. There is therefore a need to examine how these factors collectively influence work engagement. Aims To determine levels of work engagement and to identify psychological and work-related characteristics predicting work engagement in employees in Malaysia. Methods We recruited 5235 employees from 47 public and private organizations in Malaysia who responded to an online health survey. We assessed work engagement with the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) and psychological distress using the 6-item Kessler scale. We performed multiple linear regression to determine predictors of work engagement. Results Employee mean age was 33.8 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 8.8). The mean work engagement score on the UWES-9 was 3.53 (SD ± 0.94). Eleven of 18 variables on multiple regression predicted work engagement, F(18, 4925) = 69.02, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.201. Factors that predicted higher work engagement were age, marital status, education level, job type, job permanency, longer sleep duration, lower psychological distress and no history of workplace bullying. Conclusions Key factors associated with poorer work engagement in Malaysian employees include inadequate sleep, psychological distress and a history of workplace bullying. These are modifiable factors that individuals and employers can target to improve work engagement, ideally tailored according to occupational type.


POCUS Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 20-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Viviana Carlino, MD ◽  
Costantino Mancusi, MD ◽  
Alfonso Sforza, MD ◽  
Giorgio Bosso, MD ◽  
Valentina Di Fronzo, MD ◽  
...  

A 74-year-old woman with history of hypertension presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with severe resting dyspnea and swelling in the feet, ankles and legs. She was on treatment with furosemide and a beta blocker. At the time of admission blood pressure was 145/88 mmHg, heart rate (HR) 99 bpm, regular, oxygen saturation was 89% (FiO2 21%) and respiratory rate was 17 breaths/min. Abbreviation List AST: Aspartate aminotransferase ED: Emergency Department GFR: Glomerular Filtration Rate HCC: Hepatocellular Carcinoma HF: Heart Failure HR: Heart rate IVC: Inferior vena cava LAFB: Left anterior fascicular block LV: Left ventricle NT-pro-BNP: N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic peptide POCUS: Point-of-care ultrasound RA: Right atrium RBB: Right bundle branch block RV: Right ventricle TS: Tricuspid stenosis


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-357
Author(s):  
Kyle Dornhofer ◽  
Marawan Alkhattabi ◽  
Shadi Lahham

Background: Point-of-care ocular ultrasound in the emergency department (ED) is an effective tool for promptly evaluating for several vision-threatening etiologies and can be used to identify more slowly progressing etiologies as well, such as cataract formation within the lens. Case Report: A 62-year-old female presented to the ED with a two-day history of painless vision loss of the left eye as well as reduced vision for the prior 30 days. Conclusion: Point-of-care ultrasound was performed and showed calcification of the lens consistent with cataract.


POCUS Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-14
Author(s):  
Hadiel Kaiyasah, MD, MRCS (Glasgow), ABHS-GS ◽  
Maryam Al Ali, MBBS

Soft tissue ultrasound (ST-USS) has been shown to be of utmost importance in assessing patients with soft tissue infections in the emergency department or critical care unit. It aids in guiding the management of soft tissue infection based on the sonographic findings.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Jinping Xu ◽  
Jinping Xu ◽  
Ruth Wei ◽  
Salieha Zaheer

Obturator hernias are rare but pose a diagnostic challenge with relatively high morbidity and mortality. Our patient is an elderly, thin female with an initial evaluation concerning for gastroenteritis, and further evaluation revealed bilateral incarcerated obturator hernias, which confirmed postoperatively as well as a right femoral hernia. An 83-year-old female presented to the outpatient office initially with one-day history of diarrhea and one-week history of episodic colicky abdominal pain. She returned 4 weeks later with diarrhea resolved but worsening abdominal pain and left inner thigh pain while ambulating, without changes in appetite or nausea and vomiting. Abdominal CT scan then revealed bilateral obturator hernias. Patient then presented to the emergency department (ED) due to worsening pain, and subsequently underwent hernia repair. Intraoperatively, it was revealed that the patient had bilateral incarcerated obturator hernias and a right femoral hernia. All three hernias were repaired, and patient was discharged two days later. Patient remained well postoperatively, and 15-month CT of abdomen showed no hernia recurrence.


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