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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
10:31
A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
The post-concussional state: neurophysiological aspects
M R Watson1, G W Fenton, R J McClelland
1Holywell Hospital, Antrim.
Summary
Minor head injuries can lead to persistent post-concussional symptoms, with brainstem dysfunction linked to chronic issues. Early cortical dysfunction intensity correlates with initial symptom severity in head trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Research
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Investigated 26 young men with minor closed head injuries (CHI) and post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) < 12 hours.
- Evaluated patients within 24 hours of admission and at 10 days, 6 weeks, and 1 year post-trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term recovery and associated neurophysiological changes following minor CHI.
- To identify predictors of persistent post-concussional symptoms and psychiatric morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized physical examination, symptom checklists, computerized EEG (CEEG), and auditory brainstem evoked potential (BAEP) recordings.
- Repeated CEEG and BAEP at 10 days and 6 weeks; administered Present State Examination (PSE) at 12 months.
Main Results:
- Post-concussional symptoms declined but 50% had residual symptoms at 1 year.
- CEEG recovery correlated with symptom reduction; slower recovery indicated more symptoms.
- Delayed left temporal CEEG recovery and prolonged brainstem conduction times were linked to persistent psychiatric morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Chronic symptoms correlate with ongoing brainstem dysfunction.
- Transient cortical dysfunction influences initial symptom severity after head trauma.
- Perceived stress levels did not correlate with symptom formation.
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