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Published on: September 25, 2014
Adolescent Sport-Related Concussion and the Associated Neurophysiological Changes: A Systematic Review
Joel S Burma1, Andrew P Lapointe2, Megan Wilson3
1Cerebrovascular Concussion Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Electroencephalography (EEG) shows promise in detecting neurophysiological deficits after sport-related concussions (SRC) in adolescents. Further research is needed to standardize methods and explore factors like sex and maturation for accurate assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Sport-related concussion (SRC) can cause neurophysiological deficits in adolescents, a critical developmental period.
- Understanding the acute and chronic effects of SRC on adolescent brain function is crucial.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) is a potential tool for quantifying these neurophysiological changes.
Approach:
- A systematic review was conducted to synthesize existing literature on EEG use in adolescent SRC.
- The review searched the PubMed database and assessed the risk of bias in included studies.
- The focus was on both short-term (≤28 days) and long-term (>28 days) effects of SRC.
Key Points:
- Seven studies met inclusion criteria, ranging from 2012-2021, with small sample sizes and varying bias levels.
- Despite methodological heterogeneity, 86% of studies found significant EEG differences in adolescents with SRC compared to controls.
- Raw EEG data showed diagnostic potential, but standardization and further research are required.
Conclusions:
- EEG is a valuable tool for assessing neurophysiological changes following SRC in adolescents.
- Future research should incorporate covariates such as biological sex, maturation, and developmental stage.
- Standardized protocols are essential for enhancing the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of EEG in adolescent SRC.
