Executive dysfunction after multiple concussions is not related to cerebrovascular dysfunction

Objective. We investigated the relation between prior concussion history and working memory (WM), self-reported cognitive symptom burden, and cerebrovascular function in adolescents and young adults (14 –21 years old). Approach. We recruited 59 participants, 34 clinically diagnosed with a sports-related concussion and 25 controls. Concussed subjects were studied at baseline (within 28 days of their injury) and eight weeks after, while control subjects only had one assessment. We assessed WM ( n -back task up to four-back), and neurovascular coupling (cerebrovascular responses at middle cerebral artery during n -back tasks) using a transcranial Doppler ultrasonograph. Main results. There was no significant difference in WM between controls and concussed participants ( p  = 0.402). However, WM capacity was lower in those who had sustained ≥3 concussions (7.1% with WM capacity of four) compared to those with their first ever concussion (33.3%) a...
Source: Physiological Measurement - Category: Physiology Authors: Source Type: research