Cannabis, alcohol and cigarette use during the acute post-concussion period. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lawrence, David W.; Foster, Evan; Comper, Paul; Langer, Laura; Hutchison, Michael G.; Chandra, Tharshni; Bayley, Mark
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 34:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Concussion -- traumatic brain injury -- TBI -- cannabis -- marijuana -- cannabinoids -- CBD -- cannabidiol -- alcohol -- tobacco; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2019.1679885
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : To document the prevalence of acute post-concussion cannabis, alcohol and cigarette use and their association with clinical recovery and symptom burden. Methods : A prospective cohort study was conducted. Concussions were physician-diagnosed and presented to the emergency department and concussion clinic within 7 days post-injury. Participants were assessed weekly and followed for a minimum 4 weeks. A survival analysis (using physician-determined recovery to both cognitive and physical activities) in addition to a weekly symptom score analysis was conducted. Results : A total of 307 acute concussions with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD, 13.0) were included. Acute post-concussion cannabis, alcohol and cigarette use were identified in 43 (14.0%), 125 (40.7%) and 61 (19.9%) individuals. Acute cannabis, alcohol and cigarette use were not associated with recovery to cognitive ( p > .05) or physical activity ( p > .05). Acute cigarette use was associated with a higher unadjusted symptom severity score at week1 ( p = .003). Acute cannabis use was associated with lower symptom severity scores at week-3 ( p = .061) and week-4 ( p = .029). Conclusion : In conclusion, cannabis, alcohol and cigarette use were prevalent in the acute period post-concussion; however, were not observed to impact recovery within the first 4 weeks post-injury. Amongst unrecovered individuals, acute cannabis use was associated with lower symptom burden, while cigarette use was associated with greater initial symptom burden.