Citation

Harmon KG. Am. Fam. Physician 1999; 60(3): 887-92, 894.

Affiliation

Sports Medicine Clinic, Hall Health Primary Care Center, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American Academy of Family Physicians)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10498114

Abstract

The most common head injury in sports is concussion. Athletes who sustain a prolonged loss of consciousness should be transported immediately to a hospital for further evaluation. Assessment of less severe injuries should include a thorough neurologic examination. The duration of symptoms and the presence or absence of post-traumatic amnesia and loss of consciousness should be noted. To avoid premature return to play, a good understanding of the possible hazards is important. Potential hazards of premature return to play include the possibility of death from second-impact syndrome, permanent neurologic impairment from cumulative trauma, and the postconcussion syndrome.

Language: en