WCB struggles with concussion claims
To describe the nebulous symptoms of a concussion as a constellation is entirely fitting. The term ‘constellation’ often evokes thoughts of deep space and cosmic mysteries. In the realm of astronomy, it refers to groupings or patterns, celestial bodies that come together to create an intelligible array or image, much like Orion the Great Hunter or Leo the Lion. Now, consider this: the human brain houses as many neurons as there are stars in the known universe, making the connection to astronomy even more profound when attempting to portray the enigmatic nature of a brain concussion.
There are indeed 21 distinct symptoms observed following a concussion, and the specific symptoms experienced depend on the type of concussion. These symptoms can be categorized into signs and symptoms of injury. Signs of a concussion encompass loss of consciousness, confusion, balance issues, and vomiting. These signs are apparent indicators of injury. On the other hand, symptoms of injury include dizziness, a sense of fogginess or feeling detached, feeling one step behind, sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, double vision, fuzzy vision, headaches, and post-traumatic amnesia, which involves both retrograde amnesia (loss of memory before the injury) and anterograde amnesia (loss of memory after the injury).
Extensive research has been conducted to assess the predictive value of these various signs and symptoms in relation to recovery outcomes. Surprisingly, the one symptom that best predicts a longer recovery duration from a concussion is not loss of consciousness, as one might assume. Rather, dizziness is six times more predictive of an extended recovery period compared to any other symptom. This finding highlights the significance of monitoring dizziness as a crucial indicator in predicting the duration of recovery from a concussion.
For these reasons and more,
WCB often struggles to adjudicate and manage concussion claims due to the inherent complexity of these injuries. Concussions, often referred to as ‘invisible injuries,’ don’t always present clear, objective medical evidence like other physical injuries do. The
symptoms can be subjective, varying greatly from one individual to another, and may not be immediately apparent. This variability makes it challenging for WCB to
assess the severity and impact of the injury accurately.
Furthermore, concussions can involve prolonged recovery times with fluctuating symptoms, complicating the determination of appropriate compensation and the duration of benefits. There’s also the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, which requires coordination and understanding of various medical opinions, further complicating case management. These factors combined make concussion claims particularly nuanced and difficult for WCB to grapple with.
The effects of traumatic brain injury
Living with a concussion often presents a challenging and multifaceted journey, encompassing a range of complex symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. For some individuals, existence becomes a constant struggle as they grapple with a myriad of symptoms. These symptoms often include persistent headaches, making even the simplest tasks a source of discomfort. Sensitivity to light and noise further compounds their challenges, making busy environments unbearable. Cognitive fog sets in, leaving them feeling mentally sluggish and making concentration a daunting task. Engaging in physical activity can be an ordeal, as exercise often triggers dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Pre-existing issues, like car sickness, become intensified, adding to their discomfort.
It’s crucial to recognize that concussions are not a one-size-fits-all injury. In fact, there are six different types of concussions, each with its own set of characteristics and challenges:
- Cognitive Fatigue Concussion: Characterized by mental exhaustion and difficulties in thinking and concentration.
- Vestibular Concussion: Involves problems in the central pathways of the brain, particularly related to the vestibular system, affecting balance and spatial orientation.
- Ocular Concussion: Focuses on issues with ocular motor skills, affecting how the eyes work together.
- Migraine Concussion: Presents symptoms similar to migraines, including severe headaches and sensitivity to light and noise.
- Anxiety Concussion: Features heightened anxiety levels as a prominent symptom.
- Neck-Related Concussion: Less common, with symptoms originating from the neck.
It’s important to note that individuals may experience one or a combination of these types, as they are not mutually exclusive. Each type presents unique challenges and requires a tailored approach to treatment and management. This diversity in types further underscores the complexity of diagnosing and treating concussions, as well as the challenges faced by WCB in resolving these claims.
Sympathetic overdrive
The sympathetic nervous system, in overdrive, robs the brain injured of peaceful nights, leading to chronic sleep disturbances. This heightened nervous system activity contributes to a constant state of anxiety, causing individuals to feel perpetually on edge. As a result, they may withdraw from social interactions, as the sensory overload of social environments can be overwhelming. Their thoughts race as their nervous system works overtime, leading to an almost obsessive preoccupation with their condition. This multifaceted experience underscores the need for tailored support and treatment for those navigating the complex journey of concussion recovery.
A concussion can likewise have far-reaching effects on sensory processing and regulation within the brain, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals recovering from such injuries. In a healthy state, the brain excels at filtering and regulating sensory information to maintain a balanced perception of the world. This intricate neural processing is vital for preventing sensory overload and ensuring that we can focus on relevant information while ignoring the irrelevant.
However, following a concussion, this finely tuned sensory processing can become disrupted. The injury can compromise the brain’s structural and functional integrity, leading to a breakdown in the mechanisms responsible for filtering and gating sensory inputs. Several contributing factors play a role in this phenomenon.
Eyes and ears
One key aspect is the disruption of the vestibular system and ocular motor skills. A concussion can result in issues related to balance, spatial orientation, and eye coordination, causing hypersensitivity to motion (vertigo) and visual disturbances. Neurotransmitter imbalances, another factor, can arise post-concussion, affecting mood, perception, and sensory processing. Changes in neurotransmitter levels can contribute to sensory hypersensitivity.
Structural changes in the brain are also a consequence of concussions. These changes, including axonal injury and disruptions in white matter, can impair the brain’s capacity to process sensory information efficiently. Moreover, the intricate network of interconnected brain regions can be affected, leading to communication breakdowns between these regions and, consequently, hampering effective coordination of sensory processing.
As a result of these factors, individuals recovering from concussions often experience heightened sensitivity to noise, motion, bright light, and various other sensory stimuli. Even minor sensory inputs that might typically go unnoticed can become overwhelming, leading to symptoms such as vertigo, headaches, nausea, and cognitive challenges.
Understanding this breakdown in sensory processing following a concussion underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches that address these specific challenges. Therapies and strategies aimed at retraining sensory processing and regulating sensory input can play a crucial role in supporting individuals as they navigate their path to recovery.
Part 3 of 3
In the third and final installment of this
concussion series, stay tuned for an exploration of the difficulties involved in obtaining WCB benefits for brain injuries that occur on the job.
Blue Collar’s upcoming article will delve into the complexities of navigating WCB policy and medical landscapes, highlighting the challenges faced by injured workers in their quest for recognition and support for these often-invisible injuries.
