The association between adverse childhood experiences and adult traumatic brain injury/concussion: a scoping review
Creators: name: Zechen Ma
name: Bayley, Mark T.
name: Perrier, Laure
name: Dhir, Priya
name: Dépatie, Lana
name: Comper, Paul
name: Ruttan, Lesley
name: Lay, Christine
name: Munce, Sarah E. P.
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2018
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Pharmacology
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Immunology
subject: FOS: Clinical medicine
subject: FOS: Clinical medicine
subject: Science Policy
subject: 111714 Mental Health
subject: FOS: Health sciences
subject: FOS: Health sciences

description: <b>Background:</b> Adverse childhood experiences are significant risk factors for physical and mental illnesses in adulthood. Traumatic brain injury/concussion is a challenging condition where pre-injury factors may affect recovery. The association between childhood adversity and traumatic brain injury/concussion has not been previously reviewed. The research question addressed is: What is known from the existing literature about the association between adverse childhood experiences and traumatic brain injury/concussion in adults? <b>Methods:</b> All original studies of any type published in English since 2007 on adverse childhood experiences and traumatic brain injury/concussion outcomes were included. The literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases. Arksey and O’Malley and Levac et al.’s scoping review frameworks were used. Two reviewers independently completed screening and data abstraction. <b>Results:</b> The review yielded six observational studies. Included studies were limited to incarcerated or homeless samples, and individuals at high-risk of or with mental illnesses. Across studies, methods for childhood adversity and traumatic brain injury/concussion assessment were heterogeneous. <b>Discussion:</b> A positive association between adverse childhood experiences and traumatic brain injury occurrence was identified. The review highlights the importance of screening and treatment of adverse childhood experiences. Future research should extend to the general population and implications on injury recovery.Implications for rehabilitationExposure to adverse childhood experiences is associated with increased risk of traumatic brain injury.Specific types of adverse childhood experiences associated with risk of traumatic brain injury include childhood physical abuse, psychological abuse, household member incarceration, and household member drug abuse.Clinicians and researchers should inquire about adverse childhood experiences in all people with traumatic brain injury as pre-injury health conditions can affect recovery. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences is associated with increased risk of traumatic brain injury. Specific types of adverse childhood experiences associated with risk of traumatic brain injury include childhood physical abuse, psychological abuse, household member incarceration, and household member drug abuse. Clinicians and researchers should inquire about adverse childhood experiences in all people with traumatic brain injury as pre-injury health conditions can affect recovery.