Effects of Two Concussions on the Neuropsychological Functioning and Symptom Reporting of High School Athletes

Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2016;5(1):9-13. doi: 10.1080/21622965.2014.902762. Epub 2014 Nov 14.

Abstract

To assess the effects of two sports-related concussions on neuropsychological functioning and symptom reporting, the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) was administered to 483 high school athletes. Three groups of athletes were determined based on the number of previous concussions: no concussion (n = 409), 1 concussion (n = 58), and 2 concussions (n = 16). The results showed that the three groups did not differ in terms of their ImPACT composite scores (Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Reaction Time, and Processing Speed) and the Total Symptom Score. As there are only a few studies that have reported the sequelae of 2 concussions in high school athletes, it is premature to declare that a repeated concussion does not have persistent neurocognitive effects on high school athletes.

Keywords: concussions; high school athletes; neuropsychology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletes / statistics & numerical data
  • Athletic Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Concussion / complications*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / etiology*
  • Schools / statistics & numerical data
  • Students / statistics & numerical data