Impact of adverse childhood experiences on concussion recovery: Findings from the Toronto concussion study

This study investigated whether exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were correlated with the duration or severity of post-concussion symptoms.

Participants referred to The Hull-Ellis Concussion and Research Clinic within 1 week of injury were followed for up to 16 weeks. Recovery from concussion was determined by a physician assessment of physical, cognitive, and sensory functioning. Symptom endorsement was quantified using the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3) and ACEs with the ACE Questionnaire.

Data from 256 participants were analyzed. There was no significant relationship between ACE scores and time to recovery (ρ = 0.18, p = 0.81). However, secondary analyses found significant associations at week 1 between ACEs and SCAT symptoms and severity (ρ = 0.18, p = 0.004; ρ = 0.19, p = 0.002).

Exposure to ACEs may sensitize individuals to concussion symptom endorsement in the acute stages but do not appear to prolong recovery from concussion. These findings support that clinicians should be aware of the impact of childhood traumas on an individual's health and assist in tailoring and providing individualized treatment plans, education and resources post-concussion.