To evaluate correlations between sLORETA quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) analysis and a computerized symptom and neurocognitive performance assessment.

We previously reported results of sLORETA qEEG deregulation in recently concussed high school athletes. Correlations between this deregulation and concussion symptoms and neurocognitive performance have not been described in this population.

EEGs were analyzed in 61 high school athletes shortly after concussion injury using sLORETA imaging compared to a normative database (NYU/BrainDx). Concussion related symptoms and neurocognitive performance were assessed (XLNTbrain). Peak Z-score variation (PZV), and %volume of grey matter activity falling outside Z= -2.5 to 2.5 were calculated for 5 EEG frequency bands.   Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the qEEG findings and the cognitive performance testing. Statistical comparisons were made between athletes endorsing high symptom scores vs. low scores. 

Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between performance on verbal go/nogo, emotional recognition of happy and angry faces and volume and severity of sLORETA deregulation suggesting a pathological relationship. This deregulation consisted primarily of deficient activity in the delta, theta, beta, and beta-gamma bands.

Significant negative correlations were observed between performance on nonverbal go/nogo, emotional recognition of angry faces, motor tapping, sentence completion, facial recognition, and word recognition and volume and severity of sLORETA deregulation suggesting compensatory mechanisms. This deregulation consisted primarily of excess activity in the alpha and theta bands.

Elevated scores for migraine, worry, and mood were associated with increased severity and volume of increased activity in the beta and beta-gamma bands. Athletes with elevated vestibular symptoms had lower theta band deregulation. 

This study demonstrates correlations between performance on computerized neurocognitive tasks and changes in sLORETA qEEG analysis shortly after concussion injury in high school athletes. The data suggest some of these changes are pathological, while others are compensatory.