Do sport-related concussions result in long-term cognitive impairment? A review of event-related potential research

Abstract

Sport-related concussions have become a major public health concern although the long-term effects on cognitive function remain largely unknown. Event-related potentials (ERPs) are ideal for studying the long-term impact of sport-related concussions, as they have excellent temporal precision and provide insight that cannot be obtained from behavioral or neuropsychological measures alone. We reviewed all available published studies that have used stimulus or response-locked ERPs to document cognitive control processes in individuals with a history of concussion. Collectively, cross-sectional evidence suggests consistent reductions in P3 amplitude in previously concussed individuals, as well as a possible impairment in cognitive processing speed (P3 latency) and error monitoring processes (ERN). The persistent neurophysiological changes found may be related to the number of previous concussions sustained and the time since injury. Future studies incorporating prospective research designs are warranted before definitive statements can be offered regarding the long-term impact of sport-related concussions on cognitive control.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Concussion; Electroencephalography; Event-related brain potentials; Mild traumatic brain injury.