Early indicators of enduring symptoms in high school athletes with multiple previous concussions.
BACKGROUND
Despite recent findings of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral symptomatology in retired professional athletes with a history of multiple concussions, there is little systematic research examining these symptoms in high school athletes with a history of concussion.


OBJECTIVE
To identify cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms at baseline in nonconcussed high school athletes based on concussion history.


METHODS
A multicenter sample of 616 high school athletes who completed baseline evaluations were assigned to groups based on history of concussion (none, 1, 2, or more previous concussions). The Post-Concussion Symptom Scale was administered as part of a computerized neuropsychological test battery during athletes' preseason baseline evaluations. Cross-sectional analyses were used to examine symptoms reported at the time of baseline neuropsychological testing.


RESULTS
High school athletes with a history of 2 or more concussions showed significantly higher ratings of concussion-related symptoms (cognitive, physical, sleep difficulties) than athletes with a history of one or no previous concussions.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that youth athletes who sustain multiple concussions experience a variety of subtle effects, which may be possible precursors of the future onset of concussion-related difficulties.
Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph’s University, 222 Post Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA. pschatz@sju.edu
Philip
P
Schatz
Rosemarie Scolaro
RS
Moser
Tracey
T
Covassin
Robin
R
Karpf
D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012574:Schools