ABSTRACT
Many adults sustain a concussion during nonelite or recreational sports activities. For this group, a prompt return to work is their primary concern. It is well known that after having sustained a concussion, a subgroup of individuals will experience the persistence of symptoms and an atypical evolution. It is important to recognize the outward signs and to treat them through specific interventions at the right moment so as to reduce the risk of the long-term consequences associated with a concussion, such as difficulties in returning to work and maintaining employment. This chapter will first present an overview of published findings on concussion in adults, sustained during nonprofessional sports and on recovery from a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) as it relates to employment and other associated outcomes. Then, the best practice guidelines for early management of return to work after a concussion and of the persisting symptoms (early and late referrals) will be described and summarized in an algorithm to help guide interventions. Finally, a detailed case study of specialized interdisciplinary rehabilitation interventions, with emphasis on the resumption of work-related activities following a concussion sustained during a recreational hockey match, will be presented with specific references to best practice guidelines and suggested tools.
