ADHD in athletes may be linked to longer recovery time after a concussion



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For athletes, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be badociated with an increase in symptoms and a longer recovery time, according to a preliminary study published today that will be presented to the concussion conference of the American Academy of Neurology in Indianapolis on July 26 -28. ADHD is a brain disorder that affects attention and behavior.

These findings may help to determine why some athletes take longer to return to play and experience a greater burden of symptoms. Athletes with ADHD should be monitored this way as they are more likely to experience prolonged recovery. In general, it is important to know and treat pre-existing health problems in people at risk of concussion. "

Co-author R. Davis Moore, University of South Carolina in Colombia

The study used data from the CARE consortium to evaluate 20 athletes with ADHD taking psychostimulant medications for ADHD, 20 athletes with ADHD who did not take them, and 80 athletes who did not have ADHD. All athletes suffered concussions during their seasons.

The athletes were badessed before the start of the season, one to two days after the concussion and again when they were allowed to play without restrictions.

Athletes with ADHD who were on medication had symptoms for an average of 12 days, compared to 10 days for those with ADHD who did not take medication and four days for the control group. All athletes with ADHD had a greater decrease in verbal memory and a more severe increase in the severity of symptoms one to two days after the concussion compared to the control athletes.

Athletes who did not take the stimulant medications had greater post-injury decreases than the control group in the effectiveness tests of their thinking and learning abilities, both one or two days later. concussion and when they were allowed to return. to play.

Athletes who were taking medications had larger changes (slower response) than the control group in the visual motor speed tests one to two days after the concussion and when they were allowed to return to play.

"Interestingly, athletes who were taking stimulant medications did not appear to have any difference in recovery time or symptom burden compared to athletes who were not taking medication, and we badumed that these medications could possibly lessen the symptoms after a concussion. This is not the case, and although these findings are intriguing, they should be replicated as part of larger studies, "said Moore.

Source:

American Academy of Neurology

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