Attentional deficits in patients with postconcussion symptoms: a componential perspective

Attentional deficits are frequently reported by patients suffering from clo sed head injuries. The majority will develop a group of clinical symptoms k nown as post-concussion symptoms or syndromes (PCS), which are characterize d by a range of subjectively experienced symptoms including headaches, dizz iness, fatigue, irritability, slowed thinking, and memory dysfunction. It i s posited that attentional deficit is the crucial factor for the apparent f ailures of memory and higher cognitive functioning, and may contribute larg ely to difficulty in re-integrating back into the community and resuming in dependent daily living. It also appears that there are large variations wit hin these patients, in terms of both presented symptoms and neuropsychologi cal performances. However, these variations in terms of attentional deficit s have not been systematically differentiated and examined. This article ai ms to build up a theoretical framework to guide the investigation of the va rieties of attentional deficits in patients with PCS. Current theories on a ttention from cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience and clinical rehabilitation will be reviewed and integrated. It is hoped t hat a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of such defects will foster and guide the development of intervention.