Concussion recovery is immensely tough. Among this, researchers have identified several substances that may be detrimental during concussion recovery. Accordingly, there is increasing evidence that suggests post-concussion alcohol use can impair brain recovery. So, how does this happen?
Alcohol as a Neurotoxin
Alcohol is a neurotoxin. In other words, alcohol is a chemical substance that can alter the function or structure of the brain. Heavy alcohol consumption can impact a healthy brain. Specifically, heavy alcohol use is linked to cognitive impairments, slower processing speed and impaired visuospatial function. Comparingly, concussions are also associated with cognitive impairments. Therefore, researchers have concluded that post-concussion alcohol use may prolong recovery from cognitive impairment. Concussions also make the brain vulnerable to changes, thus enhancing the negative impacts of alcohol use.
Additional Negative Consequences of Alcohol
Furthermore, post-concussion alcohol use may increase the risk of other injuries as alcohol has intoxicating effects that lead to impaired coordination, confusion and dizziness. Post-concussion alcohol use may also increase the risk of seizures as alcohol can trigger these seizures.
Studies have also demonstrated that excessive alcohol use after a concussion is connected to lower behavioural and emotional functioning. Thus, higher levels of depression and lower life satisfaction is also commonly found among concussion patients that regularly drink alcohol. These concussion patients also find that it is difficult to return to work and/or school, thus posing a threat to their academic and career pursuits. Moreover, teenagers and young adults are at higher risk for post-concussion alcohol consumption. Alcohol use during concussion recovery among this age group contributes to high rates of academic and career failures.
Research has exhibited that there is also a link between post-concussion alcohol use and increased irritability or aggressive behaviour. This behaviour can strain interpersonal relationships, which can then intensify stress among concussion patients and increase the risk of social isolation. In accordance with this, stress and social isolation can negatively impact concussion recovery.
Above all, post-concussion alcohol use can compromise rehabilitation outcomes. Towards this, post-concussion alcohol use can prevent complete recovery from brain impairments and increase the risk of mortality.
Patterns of Post-Concussion Alcohol Use
Concussion recovery is characterized by heightened stress and difficult circumstances. For instance, many concussion patients must take time off from work to recover, thereby suffering from financial stress. Due to stress, heavy alcohol use and alcohol dependence is significantly high among concussion patients.
Additionally, there is substantial evidence that illustrates post-concussion alcohol use may be addictive as concussion patients will drink alcohol to cope with the symptoms of concussion. In particular, concussion patients frequently report using alcohol to minimize the effects of headaches, migraines, and depression.
Should Concussion Patients Minimize Alcohol Use?
Drinking alcohol while recovering from a concussion is risky. Concussion patients should minimize alcohol consumption as much as possible. Though this may not be easy, the first step is becoming aware of how much you consume alcohol without judgment, and creating the intent to reduce or eliminate the use of it.
Some key strategies to minimize alcohol use are as follows:
- Develop a plan with your healthcare team or therapist
- Ask your friends, family and partner(s) for support, accountability reminders, and help
- Set a specific goal and
- Choose alcohol free days
Written by Dorothy Dinh
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