Postinjury Alcohol Use Is Associated With Prolonged Recovery After Concussion in NCAA Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Concussions are common in collegiate athletes, and recovery can be variable.
• The role of post-injury alcohol consumption on concussion outcomes remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between post-injury alcohol use and clinical recovery duration and symptom severity in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted with NCAA athletes who sustained a concussion between 2014 and 2021.
• Athletes were categorized based on self-reported alcohol use post-concussion.
• Recovery was measured by days to return to unrestricted play (URTP), and symptom severity was assessed using the Standardized Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3).

Main Results:

• Athletes reporting alcohol use post-injury experienced a significantly longer mean recovery time (23.3 days) compared to those who did not (17.7 days).
• Post-injury alcohol consumption was associated with a 1.32 times higher incidence rate ratio for prolonged recovery (P < 0.001).
• No significant association was found between post-injury alcohol use and the severity of concussion symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported alcohol use after a concussion in collegiate athletes is associated with delayed recovery.
• Alcohol consumption post-concussion does not appear to increase symptom severity.
• Findings may guide clinical recommendations for athletes recovering from concussions.