A history of sport-related concussion on event-related brain potential correlates of cognition

Over the past decade, a growing body of research has detailed persistent changes to neuroelectric indices of cognition in amateur and professional athletes with a concussion history. Here, we review the relevant neuroelectric findings on this relationship while considering the duration from the last concussive event. Collectively, the findings support a negative relation of concussive injury to neuroelectric indices of brain health and cognition in the presence of normal clinical findings. The results suggest that event-related brain potentials are especially well-suited for identifying aspects of cognition that remain dysfunctional for an extended period of time, which are otherwise unidentified using standard neuropsychological tests. Such findings also suggest the need for additional research to fully elucidate the extent to which concussive injuries negatively impact brain health and cognition.

Research highlights
► ERPs may be an informative measure for understanding covert deficits in cognition.
► Several ERP components have shown selective dysfunction following sport concussion.
► ERPs may inform long-term deficits and assist decision-making for return to play.