Verbal retrieval deficits due to traumatic brain injury are associated with changes in event related potentials during a Go-NoGo task

Objective

Verbal retrieval (VR) deficits often occur after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the mechanisms remain unclear. We examined how event-related potentials (ERPs) during a Go-NoGo task were associated with VR deficits.

Methods

Sixty veterans with a history of TBI underwent a neuropsychological battery and a Go-NoGo task with concurrent EEG recording. We compared task performance and ERP measures (N2, P3) between those with and those without persistent injury-related VR deficits. We then used generalized linear modeling to examine the relationship between ERP measures and scores on measures of executive function and processing speed.

Results

Go-NoGo task performance was comparable between the groups. Those with VR deficits had larger N2 amplitude in NoGo than in Go conditions. In participants with VR deficits, larger NoGo N2/P3 amplitude predicted faster processing speed. Furthermore, larger P3 amplitude and shorter P3 latency of the difference wave (NoGo – Go) predicted faster processing speed in those with VR deficits.

Conclusions

Despite no difference in Go-NoGo task performance, ERP amplitude and latency measures associated with cognitive control during Go-NoGo distinguished TBI individuals with VR deficits from those without.

Significance

This study furthers our understanding of VR deficits in TBI and implicates potential application of ERP measures in monitoring and treating such deficits.