Study links concussions with higher suicide risk

People who have had a concussion have a three times greater risk for suicide, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. If their concussion occurs on a weekend, the risk is four times higher than the general population. Death seems to come six years after the concussion and the risk is greater for people who have had multiple concussions.

It cannot be said that concussion causes suicide, but the lead author of the study, Dr. Donald Redelmeier of the University of Toronto, says his own practice gives him some clues as to what the links might be.

Concussion can damage hundreds and hundreds of neurons

“In my patients, I’ve certainly seen that a concussion in the past can contribute to depression, impulsivity, irritability, insomnia, or all sorts of troubles concentrating,” he says. “A concussion can damage hundreds and hundreds of neurons in the brain, each one of which is important. And for some patients, they do not fully recover. Things improve, but they don’t go all the way back to normal.”

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The greater risk for people who have a concussion on the weekend may have to do with not having suffered the injury at work, where there would have been close attention paid to it and careful follow up.

Long-term care could save lives, says doctor

Redelmeier says people must understand that concussions are serious. His study suggests that better long-term care for those who suffer concussions may save lives by preventing suicide.

‘You… are not like James Bond’

Best of all, is to prevent concussions in the first place, he says. “Look after your head. Wear protection. Get trained. Follow the rules. Don’t be reckless. Do all physical activity while sober.

“Just because your brain is covered in bone does not mean that it’s an invulnerable structure. You’re a real human being, not like James Bond who can be knocked out in one scene and cracking jokes in the next.”