Brain functions after sports-related concussion: insights from event-related potentials and functional MRI.
The high incidence of concussions in contact sports and their impact on brain functions are a major cause for concern. To improve our understanding of brain functioning after sports-related concussion, advanced functional assessment techniques, namely event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have been recently used in research studies. Contrary to neuropsychological tests that measure verbal and/or motor responses, ERPs and fMRI assess the neural activities associated with cognitive/behavioral demands, and thus provide access to better comprehension of brain functioning. In fact, ERPs have excellent temporal resolution, and fMRI identifies the involved structures during a task. This article describes ERP and fMRI techniques and reviews the results obtained with these tools in sports-related concussion. Although these techniques are not yet readily available, they offer a unique clinical approach, particularly for complex cases (ie, athletes with multiple concussions, chronic symptoms) and objective measures that provide valuable information to guide management and return-to-play decision making.
Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Nadia
N
Gosselin
Rajeet Singh
RS
Saluja
Jen-Kai
JK
Chen
Carolina
C
Bottari
Karen
K
Johnston
Alain
A
Ptito
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors