Citation

Schatz P, Moser RS, Covassin T, Karpf R. Neurosurgery 2011; 68(6): 1562-7; discussion 1567.

Affiliation

1Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 2RSM Psychology Center, LLC, Sports Concussion Center of New JerseySM, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA; 3Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; and 4The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Congress of Neurological Surgeons)

DOI

10.1227/NEU.0b013e31820e382e

PMID

21258259

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Despite recent findings of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral symptomatology in retired professional athletes with a history of multiple concussions, there is little systematic research examining these symptoms in high school athletes with a history of concussion. OBJECTIVE:: To identify cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms, at baseline, in non-concussed high school athletes on the basis of concussion history. METHODS:: A multi-center sample of 616 high school athletes, who completed baseline evaluations, were assigned to groups on the basis of history of concussion (none, one, two or more previous). The Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) was administered as part of a computerized neuropsychological test battery, during athletes' pre-season baseline evaluations. Cross-sectional analyses were used to examine symptoms reported at the time of baseline neuropsychological testing. RESULTS:: High school athletes with a history of two or more concussions showed significantly higher ratings of concussion-related symptoms (cognitive, physical, sleep difficulties) than athletes with a history of one or no previous concussions. CONCLUSION:: It appears that youth athletes who sustain multiple concussions experience a variety of subtle effects, which may be possible precursors to the future onset of concussion-related difficulties.

Language: en