CTE Awareness Day: When Brain Injury Becomes Neurodivergence

Author: Katherine Robert, PhD

While many people are born with neurological differences like autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, it is important to remember that neurodivergence can also occur through accidents and injuries.

January 30th is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness Day, which highlights the long-term effects of repeated traumatic brain injuries, mostly among athletes and those in the military who have repeated hits to the head. Relatedly, PCS, or Post-Concussion Syndrome, describes people who are slow to recover from a concussion from vehicle collisions, falls, work-related incidents, or physical assaults. Both conditions can result in cognitive, mood, behavioral, sleep, and physical problems.

A concussion can result in memory, attention, and focus issues that can impact work and attendance among employees and students. There are also a variety of mood and behavioral challenges including irritability, depression, anxiety, and just not feeling right after a concussion. Many people with concussions also struggle with physical impairments like dizziness, pain, and sensitivity to light and noise. How one is impacted depends on the severity of the injury, medical history, and how the injury is managed. But symptoms can persist for months and even years and affect quality of life. While those with PCS eventually recover, those with CTE do not.

It is crucial not to doubt those with invisible brain injuries but instead validate and support people as they recover. Work-related brain injuries are difficult to manage as everyone is unique and will recover in their own way and time, which from a worker’s compensation and accommodation perspective can create difficulties for both the employee and the employer. Military personnel and veterans are also at risk for CTE and PCS from training, combat, and the extreme physicality of their work. PCS is common among service members and can lead to long-term effects and a difficult transition back to civilian life. Neurodiversity and disability awareness and accommodation can help those with brain injuries and allow veterans and others to remain employed despite their unique challenges.  

To learn more about CTE and PCS, please visit: https://concussionandcte.org/