title: Neuropsychological and neurophysiological assessment of sport concussion in children, adolescents and adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether age differences exist with respect to neuropsychological and electrophysiological functioning following a sport concussion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-six athletes (9-12 years, n = 32; 13-16 years, n = 34; adults, n = 30), half of whom had a sport concussion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cognitive functioning was assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests and event-related potentials elicited by a visual 3-stimulus oddball paradigm. The PCSS was used to assess symptoms experienced at the time of injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  Neuropsychological assessment with an adaptation of the battery used by the National Hockey League. Latencies and amplitudes of the P3a and P3b were analysed in terms of group (concussed vs. control) and age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All concussed athletes had significantly lower amplitude for the P3b component compared to their non-injured teammates (p > 0.05). Adolescents also showed persistent deficits in working memory (p > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest persistent neurophysiological deficits that are present at least 6 months following a concussion. Moreover, adolescents are more sensitive to the consequences of concussions than are children or adults.
authors.affiliation: Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baillargeon
authors.forename: Maryse
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lassonde
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leclerc
authors.forename: Dave
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ellemberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004569:Electroencephalography; D018913:Event-Related Potentials, P300; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors