Related Experiment Videos
Immediate neurocognitive effects of concussion
Michael McCrea1, James P Kelly, Christopher Randolph
1Neuropsychology Service, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188, USA. michael.mccrea@phci.org
Neurosurgery
|April 13, 2002
Summary
Concussion can cause immediate neurocognitive impairment, even without loss of consciousness (LOC) or posttraumatic amnesia (PTA). Most athletes recover cognitive function within 48 hours, though LOC and PTA indicate greater initial severity.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
Background:
- Concussion is a common sports injury with potential neurocognitive effects.
- The influence of loss of consciousness (LOC) and posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) on immediate concussion recovery is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively measure immediate neurocognitive effects and early recovery from concussion.
- To examine how LOC and PTA impact neurocognitive impairment severity post-concussion.
Main Methods:
- A sports-related concussion model studied 2385 high school and college football players.
- The Standardized Assessment of Concussion evaluated cognitive function immediately after injury and at 15 minutes, 48 hours, and 90 days.
- 91 players sustained concussions during the study.
Main Results:
- Immediately after concussion, neurocognitive scores were significantly lower than baseline, even without LOC or PTA.
- Subjects with LOC showed the most severe impairment; those without LOC or PTA were least impaired.
- Cognitive function returned to baseline levels within 48 hours for all groups.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates a gradient of concussion severity associated with PTA and LOC.
- Measurable neurocognitive abnormalities exist immediately after concussion, even in the absence of PTA or LOC.
- Early neurocognitive assessment is crucial for understanding concussion impact and recovery.