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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
11:32
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Postconcussive symptoms are associated with compensatory cortical recruitment during a working memory task
Jamie E Pardini1, Dustin A Pardini, James T Becker
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Neurosurgery
|October 1, 2010
Summary
In concussed athletes, greater symptom severity correlated with increased brain activity during memory tasks. This suggests functional neuroimaging may help assess concussion severity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Brain Injury Research
Background:
- Sports-related concussion severity is often measured by postconcussive symptoms.
- The link between symptom severity and neural functioning in athletes after concussion is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between self-reported symptom severity and brain activation during a working memory task.
- Investigated 16 recently concussed student athletes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- Examined brain activation patterns during a working memory task.
- Correlated symptom severity with neural functioning.
Main Results:
- Symptom severity was linked to regional brain hyperactivation during the working memory task.
- No significant relationship was found between symptom severity and task accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Functional neuroimaging shows potential as a sensitive biomarker for concussion and mild traumatic brain injury severity.
- Findings support the use of neuroimaging in assessing concussion outcomes.
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