Faculty Collaboration Database

Standard regression-based methods for measuring recovery after sport-related concussion. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2005 Jan;11(1):58-69

Date

02/03/2005

Pubmed ID

15686609

DOI

10.1017/S1355617705050083

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-15044358673 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   287 Citations

Abstract

Clinical decision making about an athlete's return to competition after concussion is hampered by a lack of systematic methods to measure recovery. We applied standard regression-based methods to statistically measure individual rates of impairment at several time points after concussion in college football players. Postconcussive symptoms, cognitive functioning, and balance were assessed in 94 players with concussion (based on American Academy of Neurology Criteria) and 56 noninjured controls during preseason baseline testing, and immediately, 3 hr, and 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days postinjury. Ninety-five percent of injured players exhibited acute concussion symptoms and impairment on cognitive or balance testing immediately after injury, which diminished to 4% who reported elevated symptoms on postinjury day 7. In addition, a small but clinically significant percentage of players who reported being symptom free by day 2 continued to be classified as impaired on the basis of objective balance and cognitive testing. These data suggest that neuropsychological testing may be of incremental utility to subjective symptom checklists in identifying the residual effects of sport-related concussion. The implementation of neuropsychological testing to detect subtle cognitive impairment is most useful once postconcussive symptoms have resolved. This management model is also supported by practical and other methodological considerations.

Author List

McCrea M, Barr WB, Guskiewicz K, Randolph C, Marshall SW, Cantu R, Onate JA, Kelly JP

Author

Michael McCrea PhD Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acute Disease
Adult
Athletic Injuries
Brain Concussion
Cognition Disorders
Cohort Studies
Football
Humans
Male
Neuropsychological Tests
Postural Balance
Regression Analysis
Treatment Outcome