Researchers have found that early-life stress has a greater impact on gene activation in the brain than a head injury in childhood. The study, conducted on rats, aimed to understand the interaction between early-life stress and traumatic brain injuries. The results suggest that the potential long-term health consequences of early-life stress may not be fully appreciated. Stress alone and in combination with a traumatic brain injury activated pathways associated with brain plasticity and oxytocin signaling. Rats that experienced early-life stress were also found to engage in risk-taking behavior later in life. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing adverse childhood experiences.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-11-early-life-stress-genes-brain-injury.html