Sports neuropsychology

Abstract

This chapter details the discipline of sports neuropsychology. The author undertakes an examination of the historical underpinnings of sports neuropsychology and the core of the resultant modern discipline. Other topics discussed include: sports-related concussion, epidemiology, second-impact syndrome and concussion pathophysiology, gender, the role of specific sport in determining concussion, and assessment (including neuropsychological). The NFL Neuropsychology Program and the NHL Concussion Programs are described, along with details of the severity of concussions and the normal recovery curve and return to play for closed head injury. Current issues in sport neuropsychology include (1) value-added role of neuropsychological testing, (2) ethics; and (3) determining the client. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)