This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Concussion guidelines recommend physicians individualize concussion management
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine has released a new position statement regarding concussions that recommend physicians take a more individualized approach to managing concussions in athletes.
“It is important that whoever works most regularly with the athlete reviews his or her treatment against the athlete’s history, behavior and risk factors to understand the best person-centered care plan,” Kimberly Harmon, MD, lead author and Associate Head Team Physician for the University of Washington, stated in the press release.
In the statement, Harmon and colleagues reviewed the following aspects of concussion:
- Pathophysiology,
- Incidence,
- Risk factors,
- Diagnosis,
- Sideline evaluation and management,
- Neuropsychological testing,
- Return to class,
- Return to play,
- Short-term risks of premature return to play,
- Long-term effects,
- Disqualification from sport,
- Education,
- Prevention,
- Legislation, and
- Future directions.
|
|
In addition, the statement also urges athletes to report their symptoms, as this may be the only sign the athlete has a concussion. Athletes should not return-to-play the same day or while symptomatic and should be cleared by their physician before returning to sport.
Harmon and colleagues said neuropsychological, sideline and balance testing require more research to assess their accuracy and role in concussion management. They added that validated return-to-play guidelines would help physicians determine which athletes have short-term and long-term concussion symptoms or complications of concussion.
Reference:
Harmon G. Br J Sports Med. 2012;doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091941.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.