Loss of Consciousness With Concussion May Be Associated With Later Increased Disability

According to a study published in Neurology, individuals who experienced a concussion where they lost consciousness may be more likely to have some disability or limitations later in life. The participants in the study were asked whether a physical, mental or emotional problem keeps or limits them from working at a job. The participants confirmed in having a disability in that area. In the study, 16% of participants had experienced a concussion with loss of consciousness. Of those, 47% had some disability in at least 1 area of functioning, compared with 37% of participants with no history of concussion. 

“About 16% of all adults have experienced a concussion with loss of consciousness, and our study found that nearly half of those people are living with disability,” said study author Andrea L.C. Schneider, MD, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “This substantial burden of disability suggests that research into how to better care for and improve the functioning of people with concussions over the long term should be a priority for both public health and for planning for individuals.” 
  
The study involved 7,390 participants with an average age of 58 years. Participants were asked if they had ever had a concussion with loss of consciousness. They were also asked questions about daily activities such as eating and dressing, preparing meals and doing household chores, walking up steps and carrying heavy objects. Participants' grip strength was tested to check for any disability in their arms. 
    
“This corresponds to 11.4 million people in the US with a history of concussion with loss of consciousness and disability in at least one area,” Schneider said. “And it’s possible that this is an underestimation, as the study did not include people in the military, nursing facilities or prisons who may have be more likely to experience concussions and disability.”
  
The study found that 38% of participants experiencing at least some difficulty disability in mobility. About 36% of participants experienced at least some difficulty in general physical activities such as carrying heavy objects or standing for long periods. About 35% of participants admitted limitations in the amount or type of work they could do.