Post-concussion impairments to neurocognitive functioning are primarily seen in the following areas: attention/concentration, memory and judgement/problem solving, which commonly require the utilization of working memory. For those with a concussion, it may feel like struggling to pay attention, learning or remembering things, straining to find the right words to say, or having difficulties engaging in conversations. More broadly, it can look like difficulties planning and organizing everyday tasks, making decisions, or completing more than one task at a time.
These effects are undoubtedly felt by individuals who have been impacted by a concussion, and research has ascertained the correlation between even the most minor concussions and memory. fMRI studies have shown that post-concussive patients display different brain activation patterns of working memory following a concussion.
When cognitive ability is tested using thinking and memory tests, individuals with concussions score 25% lower than their uninjured counterparts immediately after their injury and these effects may still be present one year post-concussion. Imaging tests reveal evidence of brain damage and sustained disruption to brain processes. Additionally, researchers have found that individuals who have suffered concussions have smaller increases in right prefrontal blood flow when occupied with a working memory task.
While countless studies have examined post-concussive effects on memory shortly after an injury, there has been far less research examining cognitive deficits beyond the 3 month mark. A 2013 study examining long-term working memory deficits after concussion, hypothesized that working memory is compromised long after concussion. The researchers employed a task to analyze working memory complexity, to establish the idea that memory accuracy and response times decrease as more complex measures of working memory are needed.
To solidify their claims, the researchers sought out electrophysiological evidence for reduced working memory efficiency, as standard accuracy and response time measures were insufficient. Ultimately, the electrophysiological measures established that there are changes to the neural processes of memory, six months post-concussion.
The difficulties experienced by concussive patients following injury are the residual and noticeable effects of an impaired working memory. As greater attentional and processing resources are required, concussed individuals struggle to perform the complex working memory operations because it takes more time to efficiently allocate processing resources.
As the brain struggles to perform the way it once did, those suffering from concussions may become frustrated or exhausted by the exertion and stress. Through the challenges of recuperation, certain lengths can be taken to alleviate and aid the process of recovery. Experts suggest the following tips and tricks to reduce stress and brain overload:
- Write things down to keep track of important dates or responsibilities
- Employ concentration strategies to aid memory tasks
- Refrain from spending extended periods of time in highly stimulating environments to ease cognitive strain
- Communicate! Let those around you know if you are struggling
The memory issues experienced post-concussion are very common, and these suggestions may help facilitate recovery and lessen any unnecessary strain on working memory.
By Anne Mburu
References:
Concussion: Changes in Thinking, Memory, Concentration. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2020, from https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=bsp-concussion-memory
Gray, B. (2014, July 16). Even Mild Concussion Can Cause Thinking, Memory Problems: Study. Retrieved December 19, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20140716/even-mild-concussion-can-cause-thinking–memory-problems-study
Ryan, L. M., & Warden, D. L. (2003). Post-concussion syndrome. International review of psychiatry, 15(4), 310-316.
Sim, A., Terryberry-Spohr, L., & Wilson, K. R. (2008). Prolonged recovery of memory functioning after mild traumatic brain injury in adolescent athletes. Journal of neurosurgery, 108(3), 511-516.
Ozen, L. J., Itier, R. J., Preston, F. F., & Fernandes, M. A. (2013). Long-term working memory deficits after concussion: electrophysiological evidence. Brain injury, 27(11), 1244-1255.