STEP 2: Concussion Live Course - October 21-22, 2025, in Salt Lake City, UT-Work Related Concussions: Evaluation, Management, and Return to Work Success

Pdf Summary

The 2025 Annual Assembly presentation by Dr. Stuart J. Glassman focuses on work-related concussions/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): evaluation, management, and return-to-work challenges. Dr. Glassman, a physiatrist and academic with extensive experience in concussion care, outlines the prevalence, causes, and treatment guidelines for concussions in the workforce, including military and veteran populations.<br /><br />Key points include that occupations at increased risk for concussions include construction workers, medical personnel, first responders, athletes, military personnel, and truck drivers. Males aged 18-24 have higher incidence. Common causes are falls, vehicle accidents, workplace violence, and equipment-related injuries.<br /><br />Evidence-based medicine guidelines from ACOEM, MCG Health, VA/DoD, and the 6th International Consensus on Concussion in Sport guide clinical management, emphasizing cognitive and physical rest followed by graded return to activity. No medications cure concussions but symptomatic treatment for headaches, sleep, and anxiety can assist. Vestibular and occupational therapy play important roles.<br /><br />Return-to-work requires stepwise progression with workplace accommodations tailored to symptom severity and cognitive tolerance. Concussion specialists oversee multidisciplinary care, coordinating with employers and providers. Permanent impairment ratings consider cognitive and functional deficits, using AMA Guidelines.<br /><br />Military veterans face higher TBI rates and associated mental health risks. The National Intrepid Center of Excellence and Defense Intrepid Network provide specialized care. DoD policies require baseline and post-injury neurocognitive testing. The VA/DoD issued clinical practice guidelines for mTBI management.<br /><br />Long-term consequences such as dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are linked to repeated head trauma, as seen in NFL players and veterans. The NFL concussion settlement faces scrutiny for claim denials.<br /><br />In conclusion, early diagnosis, individualized care, workplace modification, and awareness of long-term effects are essential for successful recovery and return to work post-concussion. Resources include Brain Injury Association sites, ImPACT testing, and CDC concussion toolkits.

Asset Subtitle

Stuart J. Glassman, MD, MBA

Keywords

work-related concussions

mild traumatic brain injury

concussion evaluation

concussion management

return-to-work challenges

occupational risk factors

evidence-based guidelines

military and veteran TBI

long-term concussion effects

workplace accommodations