The Effect of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Vestibular Outcomes Following a Sports-Related Concussion (SRC)

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine the effects of a history of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on vestibular outcomes following a sports related concussion (SRC) in adolescents. Hypothesis: History of ADHD in adolescent athletes will be associated with worsened vestibular outcomes following an SRC, including longer recovery time and more severe symptoms such as worsened dizziness and balance. Methods: This case-control study included patients aged 13-21 years who were seeking treatment at the Baylor Scott and White Sports Concussion Program for an SRC. Measures for neuropsychology and vestibular therapy initial evaluation were analyzed. Results: The sample size consisted of 166 patients. The data suggested a higher prevalence of dizziness in patients with a history of ADHD. Patients with a history of ADHD were also more likely to be referred to vestibular therapy. Vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) testing during vestibular ocular motor screening (VOMS) was more provocative for dizziness in patients with ADHD. Measures from the vestibular therapy evaluation indicated patients with a history of ADHD were more likely to display abnormalities during VOR x1 testing. There was no significant difference in balance measures between patients with and without ADHD. Conclusion: These results indicate that adolescents with a history of ADHD may experience a protracted recovery time following an SRC, worsened performance on VOMS, as well as a more abnormal VOR when compared to patients without a history of ADHD.