A concussion is any alteration in cerebral function caused by a force that is transmitted to the brain. It provides medical practitioners with guidelines that should improve the care of athletes. Over the years there has been significant debate on the signs and symptoms of a concussion, as well as the treatment and monitoring of these injuries. While many concussions are minor, some brain injuries can be quite serious, if not fatal. Clinicians have been split on how soon an athlete can safely return to competition following a concussion and what the risks are upon their return.
Concussions can happen in any sport, but are most often noticed in hockey and football.
In recent years, several high-profile football and hockey players have retired because of the effects of multiple concussions. The group studied existing scientific literature on brain injuries and also focused on how to evaluate an athlete with a concussion, the effectiveness of current assessment tools, how to treat the injury, the recovery period and when an athlete can safely return to play. The newly published monograph is an outgrowth of that meeting and subsequent dialogue and debate among the groups during the past 18 months and provides a balanced approach to the key issues surrounding concussions in athletes. One of our recommendations is that all concussions be treated by a physician. Our goal is to increase recognition of potential problems by all those taking care of athletes.