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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Duration of cognitive impairment after sports concussion
Joseph Bleiberg1, Alison N Cernich, Kenneth Cameron
1National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia 20010, USA. joseph.bleiberg@medstar.net
Objective:
We sought to determine the duration of cognitive impairment after sports concussion.
Methods:
We conducted a study with a prospective design in which 729 athletes underwent preseason baseline testing by being administered a computerized neuropsychological test battery, followed by retesting at regular intervals after they sustained sports-related concussions. A control group consisting of nonconcussed athletes drawn from the same baseline population underwent testing at parallel intervals.
Results:
Cognitive impairment in this primarily American Academy of Neurology Grade II sample of boxing concussions was apparent on the day of injury and at 1 to 2 days postinjury. Recovery of cognitive performance occurred during the 3- to 7-day interval. Comparison with control subjects showed that absent or attenuated practice effects, in addition to frank deterioration from baseline, were indications of recent concussion.
Conclusion:
The present findings of recovery during the 3- to 7-day interval postinjury are consistent with the American Academy of Neurology Grade II return-to-play practice parameters suggesting a 1-week time-out from participation in contact sports.
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The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...

