The sensitivity and specificity of commonly implemented sideline assessment tools are generally good to very good , especially for symptom scores and cognitive evaluations performed within 48 hours of injury , and they are improved when a baseline evaluation is available for comparison .
CONTEXT The sideline assessment of concussion is challenging , given its variable presentations , the limited sensitivity and specificity of sideline assessment tools , and how the presentation of the injury evolves over time .
In addition , the diagnostic process , as well as the tools used to assess and manage concussion , continue to progress as research and what we know about concussion advance .
This paper focuses on the initial assessment on the sideline by review ing the concussion-evaluation literature , drawing from clinical experience to emphasize a st and ardized approach , and underscoring the importance of both familiarity with the athlete and clinical judgment .
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence regarding the clinical assessment of sport-related concussion on the sideline .
Additional considerations included making same-day return-to-play decisions , the sensitivity and specificity of sideline testing , and the importance of ongoing assessment and follow-up of injured athletes .
CONCLUSIONS The sideline assessment of sport-related concussion is challenging given the elusiveness and variability of presentation , reliance on athlete-reported symptoms , and the varying specificity and sensitivity values of sideline assessment tools .
In addition , the recognition of injury and assessment often occur in a time-pressured environment , requiring rapid disposition and decision making .
Grade 1 or “Ding” Concussions in High School Athletes
Background Recent concussion management guidelines have suggested that athletes with mild ( grade 1 ) concussions may be returned to play if asymptomatic for 15 minutes . The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of a current concussion management guideline in classifying and managing mild concussion . Hypothesis High school athletes diagnosed with a grade 1 concussion will demonstrate measurable decline in neuropsychological functioning that persists during the 1st week of recovery . Study Design Prospect i ve study design ed to evaluate neuropsychological functioning both prior to and following concussion . Methods Forty-three high school athletes completed  neuropsychological test performance  and  symptom ratings  prior to the season and at two times during the 1st week following  mild concussion . Results Thirty-six hours after injury , mildly concussed high school athletes demonstrated a decline in memory ( P < 0.003 ) and a dramatic increase in self-reported symptoms ( P < 0.00001 ) compared to baseline performance . Conclusions Athletes with grade 1 concussion demonstrated memory deficits and symptoms that persisted beyond the context in which they were injured . These data suggest that current grade 1 return-to-play recommendations that allow for immediate return to play may be too liberal . Clinical Relevance A reconsideration of current concussion grading systems appears to be warranted
The sensitivity and specificity of commonly implemented sideline assessment tools are generally good to very good , especially for symptom scores and cognitive evaluations performed within 48 hours of injury , and they are improved when a baseline evaluation is available for comparison .
CONTEXT The sideline assessment of concussion is challenging , given its variable presentations , the limited sensitivity and specificity of sideline assessment tools , and how the presentation of the injury evolves over time .
In addition , the diagnostic process , as well as the tools used to assess and manage concussion , continue to progress as research and what we know about concussion advance .
This paper focuses on the initial assessment on the sideline by review ing the concussion-evaluation literature , drawing from clinical experience to emphasize a st and ardized approach , and underscoring the importance of both familiarity with the athlete and clinical judgment .
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence regarding the clinical assessment of sport-related concussion on the sideline .
Additional considerations included making same-day return-to-play decisions , the sensitivity and specificity of sideline testing , and the importance of ongoing assessment and follow-up of injured athletes .
CONCLUSIONS The sideline assessment of sport-related concussion is challenging given the elusiveness and variability of presentation , reliance on athlete-reported symptoms , and the varying specificity and sensitivity values of sideline assessment tools .
In addition , the recognition of injury and assessment often occur in a time-pressured environment , requiring rapid disposition and decision making .