In this study we compared performance on the dual-task from the Test of Everyday Attention (TEA) to the trail making test and digit span in PCS patients with executive complaints. 

50 patients with PCS  referred to UHN concussion clinic were assessed with The Toronto Cognitive Assessment (ToRCA) and the Dual Task. Additional demographic data collected was age, sex, education level, number of concussions, and time since last concussion.

The mean age of the PCS patients was 42.82 years (19-72 years). Thirty-two percent (16/50) were male. Sixty-two percent (31/50) of our patients had one concussion. The mean interval from last concussion was 14.4 months. There was no correlation between patients’ performance in trail B(R=0.17, P=0.24), digit span (R=0.24, P=0.08 for digit reverse and R=0.029, P=0.83) and dual task performance in our patient population.  Twenty-four (48%) patients performed 1.3 standard deviation below mean in the dual task while only 10 (20%) patients performed abnormally in Trail B and 2 (%) in digit reverse, respectively. There was no difference in performance on the dual task between those with 1 vs multiple concussions (scale score of 7.15 vs.7.15, p=0.61, respectively).

Dual task testing might be a more sensitive test to reflect some of the executive complaints patients with PCS report and may be a good marker for tracking recovery.