• Philip Schatz, Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, Tracey Covassin, and Robin Karpf.
• Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph’s University, 222 Post Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA. pschatz@sju.edu
• Neurosurgery. 2011 Jun 1; 68 (6): 1562-7; discussion 1567.

BackgroundDespite recent findings of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral symptomatology in retired professional athletes with a history of multiple concussions, there is little systematic research examining these symptoms in high school athletes with a history of concussion.ObjectiveTo identify cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms at baseline in nonconcussed high school athletes based on concussion history.MethodsA multicenter sample of 616 high school athletes who completed baseline evaluations were assigned to groups based on history of concussion (none, 1, 2, or more previous concussions). The Post-Concussion Symptom Scale was administered as part of a computerized neuropsychological test battery during athletes' preseason baseline evaluations. Cross-sectional analyses were used to examine symptoms reported at the time of baseline neuropsychological testing.ResultsHigh school athletes with a history of 2 or more concussions showed significantly higher ratings of concussion-related symptoms (cognitive, physical, sleep difficulties) than athletes with a history of one or no previous concussions.ConclusionIt appears that youth athletes who sustain multiple concussions experience a variety of subtle effects, which may be possible precursors of the future onset of concussion-related difficulties.Copyright © 2011 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons

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