Abstract

Concussions or mild-traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are the most common form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) according to the center for disease control (CDC). Research surrounding concussions is heavily focused on typical symptomatic time periods (7-14 days). Little research has been done concerning what happens after recovery. This has become an issue with the rise of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Both illness result following a concussive event and can have devastating effects on the individual’s life. Research focused on the impact and continued effects of concussions is necessary to continue the treatment of those that are afflicted. Recently, decreases in amplitude of the P3/P300 waveform of the brain associated with working-memory after symptomatic periods have been discovered in athletes. This suggests a continued deficit following a concussive event. This study sought to repeat the observed effect in a generalized population. Electroencephalograph-Event Related Potentials were created during an N-back task. Analyses were completed to compare the concussed group (n=9) to a control group (n=21). Behavioral analysis of the task yielded no significant results between the groups. No significant effects were found for group in EEG-ERP Analyses. Effect sizes were approaching significance for EEG-ERP suggesting that an increase in group size may yield a significant result. Future research is needed to confirm and expand on this research.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-6-2019

Mentor

Adam L. Lawson

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Psychology

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Psychology

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

2151

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