Brain injury issues may affect return to the workplace

If you suffer injuries on the job in North Carolina, you may need specialized medical care and treatment to achieve a full recovery. In some cases, there may be lasting implications of an injury that impede your ability to return to work. For instance, if you suffer a traumatic brain injury, there are several underlying conditions that may develop, which would present challenges as you transition back into the workplace.

Brain injuries can be complex and can have both immediate and far-reaching consequences. You may even have a permanent condition as a result of a head injury. However, there are often specialized treatments and strategies that can help brain injury patients restore function and compensate for any challenges that arise. Benefits you may receive through the workers’ compensation program may help cover the cost of such treatments.

Secondary issues that often develop from a brain injury

As you return to the workplace following a brain injury, you may have underlying conditions that cause certain difficulties on the job. The following list includes numerous issues that can create challenges in the workplace for a recovering brain injury patient:

• Foot drop
• Muscle weakness
• Trouble controlling emotions/aggression/anger issues
• Chronic fatigue
• Cognitive delay
• Vision or hearing problems

Each of these issues can cause you to encounter challenges in the workplace. For instance, if you suffer foot drop following a brain injury, as many patients do, simply walking around the workplace may present safety hazards for you.

You can practice at home before returning to work

During recovery from a brain injury, there are numerous things you can do at home to increase cognitive ability and physical coordination, both of which may help in your transition back to work. For instance, using a computer to practice focus and attention skills may be helpful.

You can also set an alarm clock and practice working your way through a typical morning routine, such as personal hygiene and walking out to your vehicle as if you were going to work. The more you are able to do independently before you return to work, the less stressful your transition might be.

An occupational therapist is also a helpful resource

By attending occupational therapy sessions, you can learn variousstrategies and exercises to help compensate for any impedimentsa brain injury might cause you in the workplace. Such exercises often include strength training, as well as activities to improve brain function and cognitive skills.

Theworkers’ compensationprogram often provides benefits to employees who have suffered brain injuries or other injuries on the job. You would be able to use such benefits to help offset medical expenses or to pay for specialized care that you might need to help you achieve as full a recovery as possible. If you encounter complications during the claims process, such as an employer or insurance agency denying your initial claim, you should not hesitate to reach out for additional support.