Concussion Recovery and Returning to Work:

Debunking Myths About Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

During the first six months of my recovery, I was confused about whether I had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). My doctor initially diagnosed me with a concussion, then later referred to it as post-concussive syndrome. I assumed having a concussion was less serious than a brain injury—but was that true?

When I was asked if I lost consciousness, I wondered: if I hadn’t been knocked out or hospitalized, did that mean my brain was fine?

I was told to rest, but when I tried to return to my normal work schedule, I actually fell asleep at the wheel during my commute.

Despite these experiences, I still didn’t fully understand what a concussion or post-concussive syndrome actually meant, or what I needed to do to recover.

A quiet moment of rest.

These misconceptions led to poor decisions and mistakes, putting both my life and livelihood at risk.

Let’s clear up some common myths about concussions.

Five Common Misconceptions About TBI:

1. After a concussion, you should rest in a dark room until your symptoms resolve.

   Not true! Guidelines recommend resting for the first 48 hours, followed by a mindful, gradual return to everyday activities.

   A mindful return to your daily life means paying attention to your brain and body. This includes returning to work gradually and with intention.

   Avoid the mistake I made by returning to work and your full-time schedule too soon. Your workplace may overwhelm your brain and worsen your symptoms.

   Start with reduced hours, lighter duties, and frequent breaks if possible. If you notice increased fatigue, headaches, or trouble concentrating, it may be a sign to scale back and allow more time for recovery. As your brain heals, you can slowly increase your workload and responsibilities.

2. Concussions are caused only by a hit to the head.

   Not quite. Concussions can also occur when the body or head experiences rapid acceleration or deceleration—such as in a fall or car accident—even if you don’t directly hit your head. The brain can shift inside the skull, causing microscopic injury to brain cells and their connections.

   Consult with your doctor before returning to work if you suspect you have a concussion.

3. Normal CT scan and brain MRI results mean you do not have a concussion.

   Many people with mild TBIs have normal brain scans.

   Brain scans are used to rule out acute injuries like bleeding, contusions, or skull fractures.

   However, the symptoms of a mild TBI often occur at the cellular level and won’t show up on these scans. Instead, your injury history, neurological exam, symptoms, and cognitive testing help determine if you need treatment for a brain injury.

   So, you can have a normal brain scan but still experience a mild TBI that impacts your daily life and performance at work. Track your symptoms-if work tasks make symptoms worse, let your doctor know.

4. If you pass out after you hit your head, you have a concussion.

   In reality, most people with a mild TBI don’t lose consciousness or get knocked out. Take your injury and symptoms seriously. Consider consulting with a specialist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist when planning your return to work.

5. All doctors are knowledgeable about concussion care.

   Unfortunately, not all doctors are familiar with the latest concussion care guidelines. This can lead to delayed treatment, inappropriate care, or someone returning to work before they’re ready.

   After seeing your general practitioner, ask for a referral to a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor. These specialists focus on brain and spinal injuries.

   Don’t hesitate to ask the specialist about their experience treating brain injuries, and when they last received training or attended a seminar on the topic.

Hearing I had a mild to moderate brain injury was both a relief and a source of fear. It took time, but I eventually learned that a concussion is, in fact, a type of brain injury—something many people don’t realize.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a concussion or mild TBI, it’s important to track your symptoms and consult with a specialist before making plans to return to work. Careful monitoring and professional guidance can help ensure your recovery is on track and that you’re ready to handle workplace demands safely.

Take care, get better, get stronger,

Kelly Tuttle

Brain-Loving Advocate

P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce.

Check out my Linktree:

If you’re also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program:Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.

You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources.

My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible.

My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore

I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal

My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel

Please check out my YouTube channel.

My Podcast: The Mindful Return: From Brain Injury to Back to Work