Neuropsychological performance following a history of multiple self-reported concussions: a meta-analysis.
Debate continues about the long-term neuropsychological impact of multiple mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). A meta-analysis of the relevant literature was conducted to determine the impact of having a history of more than one self-reported MTBI (versus just one MTBI) across seven cognitive domains, as well as symptom complaints. The analysis was based on 8 studies, all conducted with athletes, involving 614 cases of multiple MTBI and 926 control cases of a single MTBI. The overall effect of multiple MTBI on neuropsychological functioning was minimal and not significant (d = 0.06). However, follow-up analyses revealed that multiple self-reported MTBI was associated with poorer performance on measures of delayed memory and executive functioning. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Belanger
Heather G
HG
Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, James A. Haley VA, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. heather.belanger@va.gov
Spiegel
Eric
E
Vanderploeg
Rodney D
RD
D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014342:Truth Disclosure