Head Injuries and ADHD Risk

A head injury can result in temporary or permanent changes to brain function. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to a head injury that causes at least a temporary alteration in brain function. This can manifest as confusion, memory lapses, loss of consciousness, or similar outcomes.

TBI may also increase the likelihood of developing ADHD, although the effects may not be immediately evident and could emerge several years after the injury. A small study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2018 found that children who had experienced mild or moderate TBI were approximately twice as likely to develop ADHD later in life, while those who had suffered severe TBI were about four times as likely to develop ADHD.

While ADHD is less detrimental to quality of life compared to other consequences of brain injury, it is important to recognize the potential role of childhood sports-related concussions or other injuries in the development of ADHD later on. If you are considering potential causes of ADHD in your own life, reflect on whether a head injury, even one that seemed minor at the time, may have triggered attention problems in the months or years following the injury. In Hong Kong, we have Neuroscience and ADHD experts to provide comprehensive information and assessment of your ADHD-related problem. You may contact us for a consultation.