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Minor Brain Injuries Can Cause Long-Term Job Loss According to Recent Study

Those who have suffered what some call a “mild” traumatic brain injury know that there is really nothing minor about this type of injury but a recent study has proven this point even further. Keep reading to get the facts of the study and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you have been injured in an accident and require a free consultation from a personal injury attorney.

What the Study Tells Us

The study in question was published in BMJ Open. It showed that people who are in their 30s are particularly susceptible to what are referred to as “persistent post-concussive symptoms.” The study looked at nearly 20,000 patients in a Danish hospital who had been diagnosed with a “mild” traumatic brain injury from the ages of 18 to 60.

The Long-Term Suffering of Brain Injury Victims

The results of the study found single people had a more significant short-term impact in their jobs while patients who had a partner were more affected in the long term. In fact, a person who suffered a concussion had a much higher risk of being unemployed five years after the trauma than the average person. Those victims are often receiving disability payments, early pension, or part-time wages that do not cut it.

The study found that there were two types of patients that were most affected by long-term head injuries: Those with higher education and those in their 30s. Researchers involved in the study reported finding it surprising that the concussion had such long-term consequences to maintain a job five years after the accident. The long-term symptoms most commonly noted were fatigue and serious issues with concentration.

The fact that people with higher education are more likely to be out of work five years after their brain injury is most likely the cause that their jobs may be more likely to involve planning and prioritizing tasks, which are more difficult things to do after a brain injury. In short, their jobs require more high-level brain function and thus their ability to work may be more likely to be affected than a person who does more physical work.

The Potential Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries

More than five million people live with a disability caused by traumatic brain injury, according to stats from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. At least half of these injuries were caused by auto accidents. Victims can suffer from serious long-term effects including loss of concentration, headaches, difficulty with balance, impulse issues, and much more.

If you have been injured in an accident and have suffered a brain injury, then you deserve to find out what your options are. The easiest way to get the facts is to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.