Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

Executive Summary Background: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) occur more than one million times a year in the United States. Approximately 15% of those injuries result in persistent side effects, known as postconcussion syndrome (PCS), which can last up to a year or longer. Common long-term effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance, poor concentration, visual disturbances, memory difficulty, and intolerance of stress, emotion or alcohol. (Dean, O'Neill & Sterr, 2012; Legome, 2015) Project Purpose: This project aims to promote occupational therapy practitioner awareness of mTBI/PCS and the implications for occupational therapy treatment by writing an article that is worthy of publication in a professional magazine with a positive peer review feedback response. Methodology: Writing the article required research on publication guidelines and tips for scholarly writing prior to research on symptoms and long-term side effects of mTBI and PCS, and compiling facts to support the need for awareness and OT intervention to address the impact these symptoms and side effects have on engagement in meaningful occupations. A literature review table and summary was completed to help synthesize the information and provide a gateway to writing the article. Upon completion of writing the article, feedback was requested via a short online survey from two occupational therapists and two medical doctors regarding fluency and sophistication of the article and synthesis of information. Outcomes: Overall, there was an 89% positive response from all four survey respondents. The respondents indicated that more detail regarding outcomes of early intervention and cognitive intervention, and providing statistically significant evidence would have been a beneficial addition to the article in order to provide further support for OT intervention for mTBI and PCS and to provide further background information and details for better reader understanding. Otherwise, the article was easy to follow and comprehend and provided sufficient information regarding the implications for OT in the treatment of mTBI and PCS. Conclusions and Recommendations: Overall, there is evidence to support occupational therapy intervention to address the various cognitive, visual and vestibular symptoms of mTBI and PCS. There is a potential window of opportunity for occupational therapy to provide early intervention and identify those that may be at risk for more persistent PCS symptoms. Furthermore, occupational therapy possesses a plethora of intervention approaches that can be individualized and utilized to address the specific needs and deficits of each client experiencing mTBI and PCS. Further research studies regarding the efficacy of occupational therapy treatment of the common symptoms and long-term side effects experienced by those with mTBI and PCS would be beneficial for evidence-based practice among the profession. Additionally, with the rising awareness of the potential dangers of sport-related head injuries, occupational therapy could use supportive evidence to advocate for our profession to headline in the treatment and recovery of mTBI and PCS.

Publication Date

3-2016

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