Military rehabilitation
Within the military population , individuals are often highly motivated to return to work and guidance helps ensure that this is done in a graded , appropriate way that is not detrimental to their recovery .”
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Military rehabilitation
Feature
Within the military population , individuals are often highly motivated to return to work and guidance helps ensure that this is done in a graded , appropriate way that is not detrimental to their recovery .”
Traumatic brain injuries are categorised into mild , moderate and severe . The term concussion and mTBI are used interchangeably and refer to the same condition .
An mTBI can be described as the result of a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain . An individual may not lose consciousness but may feel dazed / disorientated immediately following the incident . CT and MRI scans would be reported as normal .
DMRC Stanford Hall uses the VA DoD categorisation of traumatic brain injury ( VA / DoD 2016 ).
The team is made up of rehabilitation consultants ( part time cover ), one full-time occupational therapist , two physiotherapists ( 1.6 full time equivalent ) and a full-time health psychologist .
A public health concern
During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan , mild traumatic brain injury was characterised as a signature injury of the war ( Hawley et al 2015 ; MacGregor et al 2010 ; Sayer 2012 ). The service was formed in 2008 , in response to an identified need to support individuals following mTBI .
Traumatic brain injury is a global public health concern , estimated to be sustained by 64 to 74 million civilians a year ( Dewan et al 2017 ) and approximately 90 % of these injuries are blunt force and categorised as mTBIs ( Kay and Teasdale 2001 ).
Assessment and treatment
As part of the assessment process , individuals are asked to outline their roles and occupations , the symptoms they are experiencing and their current level of function . Following this semi-structured interview , they may undergo further investigations such as cognitive assessments , headache / sleep diaries , MRI brain and vestibular assessment .
The most reported symptoms are dizziness , reduced attention and memory , poor sleep , headaches , and fatigue . The acute symptoms of mTBI typically resolve within three months . However , 15 % to 30 % of individuals develop symptoms that persist for longer , known as postconcussion syndrome ( Lange et al ; 2013 ; Spinos et al 2010 ; Sterr et al 2006 ).
Following an mTBI it is important that individuals are allowed the opportunity to rest , particularly within the initial 72 hours .
June 2023 OTnews 39