Citation

Bleiberg J, Cernich AN, Cameron KL, Sun W, Peck K, Ecklund PJ, Reeves D, Uhorchak J, Sparling MB, Warden DL. Neurosurgery 2004; 54(5): 1073-78; discussion 1078-80.

Affiliation

National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia 20010, USA. joseph.bleiberg@medstar.net

Comment In:

Neurosurgery 2005;56(5):E1166.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Congress of Neurological Surgeons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15113460

Abstract

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.

Language: en