Returning to Duty

The vast majority of people who sustain a mild traumatic injury (mTBI)/ concussion recover spontaneously without the need for specialized assessment or medical care.  For others, a mTBI/concussion may have lingering effects.

After receiving a medical evaluation, service members may be given a short period of duty restrictions. This gives the brain time to heal. This is especially important for those who have a job that puts them at risk for sustaining another injury. If the service member has no symptoms and screens negative for concussion after exertional testing, then returning to duty, with education, is appropriate.

One should not return to full duty until the symptoms of concussion, like headache or dizziness are better. Other symptoms, such as eyes hurting from the light, can be managed with sunglasses. Returning to work too soon can cause a temporary worsening of symptoms if one’s brain is not fully healed. Sometimes it is helpful to gradually resume one’s work schedule. It is important that service members let their provider decide when it’s time to return to duty.

The following considerations are important when planning one’s return to work.

SCHEDULE CONSIDERATIONS:

• Shortened work day (e.g., 0800-1200)
• Allow for breaks when symptoms increase
• Reduced task assignments and responsibilities

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

• No driving
• No heavy lifting/working with machinery
• No heights if experiencing dizziness or balance deficit