Influence of Learning Disabilities on the Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological Health in Athletes with a History of Concussion

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of present study was to investigate the role of LD on neuropsychiatric and neurophysiological recovery following concussion.BackgroundIt is estimated that roughly 20% of athletes suffer from a neurodevelopmental disorder (ND). Although concussion research has primarily focused on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the influence of other NDS, such as learning disorder (LD) on concussion outcomes remains relatively unknown.Design/MethodsSeventy-five athletes (24 healthy control, 24 concussed, and 27 concussed-LD) completed a neuropsychiatric and neurophysiological test battery; including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), profile of mood states (POMS), and modified CogState Brain Injury Test battery. Additionally, event-related potentials were recorded during an experimental odd ball task. All athletes were matched based on age, education, BMI, and sport played. Athletes with a history of concussion were further matched on time since injury and number of previous injuries.ResultsConcussion-LD athletes reported significantly greater depressive symptoms compared to matched concussed and healthy control athletes (p < 0.05). When decomposed, the group differences in depressive symptoms were driven by cognitive and affective depression sub-scales (p’s < 0.05), not somatic depression (p > 0.05). Additionally, concussion-LD athletes demonstrated greater cognitive deficits characterized by increased learning errors and decreased working memory (p’s < 0.05). Furthermore, neurophysiological analyses revealed that Concussed-LD athletes exhibited significantly delayed P3b latency (p < 0.05). Finally, irrespective of LD status, athletes with a history of concussion reported increased overall mood disturbances, as well as ratings of anger and hostility compared to controls (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results suggest that athletes with concussed athletes with LD may exhibit chronic neuropsychiatric and neurophysiological deficits beyond that of their concussed counterparts (without LD). Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between LD and concussion outcomes.