title: Effects of concussion on attention and executive function in adolescents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Head trauma in adolescents has been linked with deficits in attention and executive function that can compromise the performance of everyday tasks. Although previous research has examined this issue using computerized neuropsychological testing, little work has been done using laboratory-based measurements of attention and executive function in this population. A longitudinal analysis of recovery patterns of these measures among adolescents is central to understanding the effects of concussions across the age spectrum.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study prospectively and longitudinally examined laboratory-based measures of attention and executive function in concussed adolescents sequentially during a 2-month period after injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two measures of attention and executive function, the Attentional Network Test and the Task-Switching Test, were administered to 20 concussed adolescents within 72 h postinjury as well as at 1 wk, 2 wk, 1 month, and 2 months postinjury. Twenty healthy, matched control subjects were similarly assessed at the same time intervals. Data were analyzed by two-way, mixed-effects ANOVA to determine the effect of group and time on the dependent variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with control subjects, the concussed group exhibited a significantly greater switch cost on the Task-Switching Test (P = 0.038, mean difference value = 38 ms) and a significantly greater reaction time for the Attentional Network Test conflict effect component (P = 0.015, mean difference value = 34 ms) for up to 2 months after injury.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Concussed adolescents have difficulty recovering executive function after injury and may require extended recuperation time before full recovery is achieved. Evaluations focusing on attention and executive function can be useful additions in the assessment and follow-up after head injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Osternig
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Donkelaar
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Mayr
authors.forename: Li-Shan
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function