Neuropsychological testing in sports concussion management: An evidence-based model when baseline is unavailable

Peter A. Arnett, Amanda R. Rabinowitz, Gray A. Vargas, Dede M. Ukueberuwa, Victoria C. Merritt, Jessica E. Meyer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Since Barth and colleagues’seminal study used baseline neuropsychological testing as a model for sports concussion management, many collegiate sports medicine programs have adopted variations of their approach. However, no evidencebased strategy has yet been clearly articulated for the use of neuropsychological tests in concussion management that involves consideration of cases in which no baseline testing has been conducted. In this chapter, we articulate an evidence-based model for neuropsychological sports concussion management in collegiate athletes for cases in which baseline data are not available. The model involves an algorithm that is based upon base rates of impairment in a typical neurocognitive sports concussion battery, with decision rules that differ slightly for males and females. Although we use our population of collegiate athletes and the tests we administer as a framework to provide concrete values to the proposed algorithm, our evidencebased model could easily be applied to other sports concussion populations and neurocognitive test batteries. Our proposed neuropsychological concussion management guidelines provide an evidence-based model, while at the same time remain consistent with trends in the literature, suggesting that increasingly individualistic clinical concussion management approaches are most prudent.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConcussions in Athletics
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Brain to Behavior
PublisherSpringer New York
Pages35-48
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9781493902958
ISBN (Print)9781493902941
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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