MINNEAPOLIS – People who have had a concussion that caused them to lose consciousness may be more likely to have a disability or impairment later in life – such as: B. Difficulty walking or limitations in the amount or type of work they can do – than people who have never had a concussion, according to a study published in the online edition of Neurology®, the American Academy’s medical journal of Neurology, May 26, 2021.
Approximately 16% of all adults have suffered a concussion with loss of consciousness, and our study found that almost half of these people live with a disability. This significant burden of disability suggests that research into how to better care for people with concussions and improve their functioning over the long term should be a priority for both public health and individual planning
Study author Andrea LC Schneider, MD, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.> / H6>
7,390 people with an average age of 58 years took part in the study. People were asked if they had ever had a concussion with unconsciousness. They were also asked questions about their ability to do everyday activities such as eating and dressing, preparing meals and doing housework, climbing stairs, and carrying heavy objects. Her grip strength was also tested to check for disabilities in her arms. Disability was defined as “some difficulty” or major difficulty in one area.
People were also asked whether a physical, mental, or emotional problem was keeping them from work or limiting the nature or scope of their work. A “yes” answer was defined as a disability in this area.
A total of 16% of people had a concussion with unconsciousness. Of these, 47% had some disability in at least one functional area, compared to 37% of people with no history of concussion.
This equates to 11.4 million people in the United States with a history of concussions with loss of consciousness and disability in at least one area, and possibly an underestimate as the study did not include people in the military, care facilities, or prisons who may be more likely to have concussions as well Suffering from disabilities.
Andrea LC cutting edge
The study found that the area of greatest disability is mobility, such as walking up 10 steps or getting up from an armless chair, with 38% having at least some difficulty. About 36% said they had at least some difficulty in general physical activities such as carrying heavy objects or standing for long periods. About 35% of people said they were limited in the amount or type of work they could do.
Findings were similar after the researchers corrected other factors that could affect the disability, such as age, physical activity, high blood pressure, sleep, and depression. The only area that showed no association between concussion and disability was grip strength.
Schneider noted that the study was not designed to show cause and effect. It just shows a link between a previous concussion with loss of consciousness and disability.
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