Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and the Myth of Quick Recovery – The Long-Term Impacts and Returning to Work

A mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a disruption of normal brain function resulting from an external force or impact to the head. They can produce a range of cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms, including headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory disturbance. Neuropsychologists often meet individuals who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The word “mild” can be misleading as people often take it to imply that recovery will be swift and complete. While many people do bounce back within a few weeks, others find themselves dealing with persistent and sometimes frustrating symptoms that extend far beyond the initial injury. When these difficulties are not recognised, people may feel isolated or worry that their experience is unusual. It’s important to acknowledge that slower recovery is not uncommon, and it does not mean that someone is failing to heal.

Lingering Challenges

Even when the obvious symptoms such as headaches or dizziness subside, more subtle issues can remain. Individuals often report:

• Trouble with attention and focus: difficulty staying on task or filtering distractions.

• Memory lapses: forgetting appointments, conversations, or everyday tasks.

• Irritability and mood changes: heightened frustration, impatience, or emotional sensitivity.

These symptoms may appear minor at first glance, but in practice they can disrupt work, strain relationships, and erode confidence.

Workplaces, in particular, highlight these vulnerabilities. Returning employees may find themselves struggling with things such a fatigue, which runs deeper than just physical tiredness, they often also suffer from mental fatigue, which can feel like needing a disproportionate amount of effort to complete tasks they once did effortlessly. Another common complaint is having issues with multitasking, and becoming easily overwhelmed when juggling competing demands or needing to swap between tasks. Without accommodations, these challenges can lead to reduced performance and increased stress, which in turn slow recovery further. 

Because the difficulties after mTBI are often invisible, they are easy to underestimate. Employers, colleagues, and even family members may expect someone to ‘pick up where they left off’. Individuals with mTBI may push themselves to return too quickly, only to find themselves struggling in ways that feel inexplicable. Recognising these challenges as part of the injury, rather than a personal shortcoming, is a key step toward recovery.

The Role of Follow-Up and Testing

Neuropsychological follow-up is crucial in monitoring progress. Cognitive testing provides objective insight into areas such as memory, attention, and executive functioning. By identifying both strengths and ongoing challenges, we can tailor rehabilitation strategies and make informed recommendations for workplace accommodations. Part of a neuropsychologist’s role is also to assess whether someone is ready to return to work, and under what conditions. This benefits not only the individual, who gains confidence and support, but also the employers who receive guidance on how to best facilitate a successful re-entry. Clear recommendations around pacing, workload, and environmental adjustments help bridge the gap between recovery and productivity.

How We Can Help

Recovery after mild traumatic brain injury is rarely as straightforward as the name suggests. While many do recover quickly, others face longer-lasting challenges that deserve recognition and support. Early neuropsychological involvement can make a meaningful difference, helping individuals navigate their recovery and ensuring a safe and sustainable return to work. At Cognitive Assessments Australia, we specialise in these assessments and supports, working closely with both patients and employers. With the right guidance, recovery is not only possible but can be approached with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Olivia Chan is an early career Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar. She is passionate about working with individuals across the lifespan and providing evidence-based cognitive assessments to those with brain-based disorders.