Lateralized Affective Word Priming and Gender Effect.

Affective priming research suggests that processing of affective words is a quick and short lived process. Using the divided visual field (DVF) paradigm, investigations of the lateralization of affective word processing have yielded inconsistent results. However, research on semantic processing of words generally suggests that the left hemisphere (LH) is the location where rapid processing occurs. We investigated the processing of affective (emotional) words using a combination of the DVF and affective priming paradigms, and four stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs)-0, 150, 300, and 750 ms. The priming pattern yielded by males (n = 32) showed quick priming (at 0-ms SOA) of affective words in the LH; there was slower right hemisphere (RH) priming of affective words (at 750-ms SOA). In females (n = 28), both hemispheres were associated with quick priming of affective words (at 300-ms SOA in the LH and at 150-ms SOA in the RH). Results demonstrate the capability of both cerebral hemispheres in the processing of words with affective meaning, along with leading role of the left hemisphere in this process. This is similar to the results of semantic research that suggest access to word meanings occurs in both hemispheres, but different mechanisms might be involved. While the LH seems to prime affective words quickly regardless of gender, gender differences are likely in the RH in that affective word processing probably occurs slowly in males but rapidly in females. This gender difference may result from increased sensitivity to the emotional feature of affective words in females.

Recovery progression and symptom resolution in sport-related mild traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the recovery progression of a group of athletes who participated in a concussion management program based on (1) group analysis and (2) individual analysis. SETTING: Concussion management clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty athletes (22 males, 8 females; baseline age = 16.23 ± 2.40 years) who had undergone four assessments: one baseline and three post-injury assessments at 3, 8, 15 days post-injury. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical. MAIN MEASURES: Four neurocognitive scores of the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) including verbal memory, visual memory, speed of processing and reaction time and also a total symptom score. RESULTS: Group-analysis showed a clear decline in verbal memory (F(3, 87) = 7.36, p < 0.000) and an increase in self-reported symptoms (χ2(3, N = 30) = 48.703, p < 0.000), 3 days post-injury. By day 8, athletes had returned to their baseline levels for verbal memory and were not experiencing symptoms. When athletes' scores were examined individually, at 3 days post-injury, 60% of the athletes showed deficits on two or more of the ImPACT variables. This rate dropped to 23% at 8 days post-injury and remained the same (23%) 15 days post-injury. CONCLUSIONS: In concussion recovery, variability is the rule, rather than the exception, with regard to both impaired neurocognitive functions and recovery duration.

Auditory comprehension performance of college students with and without sport concussion on Computerized-Revised Token Test Subtest VIII.

AIM: Auditory comprehension (AC) and visually assessed cognitive functions were compared in early stage postconcussed (PC) athletes and healthy controls using the Subtest VIII of the Computerized-Revised Token Test (C-RTT) and Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT). RESULTS: As compared with healthy controls (n = 30), PC subjects (n = 30) had significantly lower C-RTT efficiency scores (p = 0.018), and lower ImPACT scores; total symptom score (p = 0.000.), verbal memory (p = 0.000), visual memory (p = 0.000), visual motor speed (p = 0.000) and reaction time (p = 0.004) in this post-test only matched subject design. Impulse Control was not significant (p = 0.613). Multiple regression and ANOVA indicated an association with reaction time only (p = 0.012) for the PC subjects. After controlling for reaction time, a significant difference in AC remained. CONCLUSION: The relationship between AC and other visually assessed cognitive functions was inconsistent suggesting that the C-RTT and ImPACT assessed different functional systems.

Community-based resources for concussion management.

Speech-language pathologists can serve an important role as members of interdisciplinary treatment teams in the rehabilitation of concussion-related cognitive-communicative changes in the community setting. This article discusses the continuum of care for individuals who have experienced concussion and the importance of appropriate assessment and functionally based intervention. Factors such as executive function impairments, sensory overload, and cognitive exertion can yield subtle deficits that can impact functional return to work or school. Community resources such as support groups are discussed, as well as the impact of state and federal policies related to concussion on community activities.

A model of prevention of sports concussion in adults.

This article discusses the definitions of prevention and presents a model that addresses multidimensional aspects of sports concussion prevention from the perspectives of epidemiology, education, environmental modification, enforcement, and evaluation. Epidemiology is helpful in identifying the incidence of concussion and the interventions most likely to reduce its occurrence. Education ensures that accurate information on concussion is communicated to stakeholders. Modifications in the physical and sociocultural environments may lessen the potential for injury and reduce the risk of concussion. Enforcement of legislation standards can be effective in concussion prevention, especially at the preinjury and injury phases. The evaluation dimension assesses the effectiveness of prevention programs and guides future program development. This five-E model explains concussion prevention as a recursive loop process. Each dimension is closely associated in the prevention of sports concussion.