They stress that a full examination by a physician usually can best judge the effects of concussion. Above all, the authors state, only more research will answer questions about how quickly and how well the brain can recover from concussion, and how best to evaluate and treat injured athletes. The guidelines were formulated after a 1997 conference that brought together representatives of prominent medical societies whose members treat athletes, and major national professional and collegiate sports leagues. They are endorsed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons , the American Academy of Pediatrics , the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine , the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the International Neuropsychological Society . The guidelines are a consensus statement, but they do not necessarily represent the views of all the conference participants.
Experts define concussion as an alteration of cerebral function.
Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, brief loss of consciousness, vertigo, light-headedness, ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating, amnesia, vomiting and balance problems. But even after symptoms are gone, neurological research has shown that lasting 'bruises' on brain tissue may still be present. Rest, sleep, protection from additional impact and abstinence from alcohol can allow the brain to heal. Meanwhile, symptoms that are delayed, more severe or worsen over time can signal serious problems, including blood clots in the brain. With the advent of sophisticated medical imaging, the diagnosis of such problems is made easier - but only if the person is adequately examined.