Workplace Injuries - How many concussions are too many?
 

I work full time in a group home caring for severely autistic adolescents - I've had 4 concussions in 6 months from being headbutted and kicked in the face. Still recovering from the last one which left me unable to drive for nearly a month. Could the next one have longterm consequences? Do I need to change my career to save my brain?

There is no science to long term head trauma...Its always a factor after you start having problems.

Sure sounds like you should rethink what you are doing for a living but who are we?
So sorry your having problems, while trying to help kids with Autism.

You have already experienced long term consequences. Being unable to drive for a month means you suffered a serious concussion. You should be requesting a full Neuro Psychological Assessment to see what functional limitations you have that are likely due to head trauma.

To correct DavOD, There is no way to predict long term outcomes.

Personally, I would not continue in such an occupation. Years ago, we had a 2 persons here on NT who had been repeatedly been beat by inmates in prisons and jails. Both ended up with serious long term disabilities.

They felt limited in their choices due to a need for employment.

Unemployed and disabled is much worse.

It's not OK to keep banging your head around. As an example, Second Impact Syndrome can result in death although that is rare. If you get a second impact before the previous one has healed, even if the impacts are minor, then the brain overreacts and pumps out too much damaging inflammation.

If those kids are banging their heads then they should be wearing helmets designed for special needs patients for their safety and for yours. You can also wear a padded hat insert like the Unequal Dome 2 for your own safety.