Can within-category naming identify subtle cognitive deficits in the mild traumatic brain-injured patient?

Abstract

Background: This investigation examined the effect of a speeded, computer-controlled task on detecting differences in latency and accuracy of within-category name generation in adults having sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).

Methods: Twenty-four adults in acute recovery and 24 age-matched controls were instructed to view 72 pictures on a computer monitor, and then name another item belonging to the same category as the visual stimulus as quickly as possible.

Results: The MTBI group demonstrated significantly longer latencies (p < 0.001) and lower accuracy (p < 0.001) than the control group. Both groups displayed similar patterns of response, although the MTBI group produced significantly more perseverative errors (p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between performance on the Scales of Cognitive Ability for Traumatic Brain Injury and response latency or accuracy.

Conclusion: The MTBI group performed the task significantly slower and less accurately than controls. Reaction time measures may prove more sensitive than traditional assessment measures in detecting subtle difficulties.