Electrophysiological indices of persistent post-concussion symptoms
1Brain Behaviour Laboratory, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. gaetz@sfu.ca
Brain Injury
|October 13, 2000
Summary
Mild head injuries (MHIs), or concussions, can cause lasting cognitive issues. Evoked potential and event-related potential (EP/ERP) tests reveal significant brain function changes in individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mild head injuries (MHIs), including concussion, were historically viewed as having no long-term effects.
- Emerging scientific evidence and media attention suggest MHIs can lead to persistent cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an Evoked Potential/Event-Related Potential (EP/ERP) assessment battery for detecting brain function changes in persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS).
- To compare brain function in individuals with PCS against a normative database.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a comprehensive EP/ERP assessment battery.
- Compared EP/ERP data from individuals with persistent PCS to a normative database.
Main Results:
- Individuals with persistent PCS exhibited abnormal visual and auditory EP/ERP and visual EP results.
- These abnormalities exceeded a 2.5 standard deviation threshold compared to normal limits in both young and older participants.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide evidence of altered brain function in individuals experiencing persistent PCS.
- This supports the view that post-concussion syndrome has a significant biological basis rather than being purely psychological.
