Current sports medicine reports
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Curr Sports Med Rep · Jan 2011
ReviewA critical review of neuroimaging applications in sports concussion.
While abnormalities related to concussion are typically not identified on traditional clinical neuroimaging (i.e., computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), more sophisticated neuroimaging techniques have the potential to reveal the complex neurometabolic processes related to concussion and its recovery. Clinically, these techniques may one day provide useful information to guide clinicians in the management and treatment of sports concussion. This article critically reviews the current state of the literature regarding neuroimaging and sports concussion, identifies challenges in the application of these techniques, and identifies areas for future research.
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Curr Sports Med Rep · Jan 2011
ReviewProtective equipment and the prevention of concussion - what is the evidence?
The complex nature of the evaluation and management of concussion lends to controversy, and the immediate and long-term implications still are being investigated. Various types of protective equipment have been used as a means to prevent concussions, and protective equipment is being used more frequently in different sports. ⋯ The use of faceshields has not shown a proven benefit in preventing the incidence of sport-related concussion in ice hockey or field hockey participants. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of protective equipment in the prevention of sport-related concussion.
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Curr Sports Med Rep · Jan 2011
ReviewSystemic hypothermia for the treatment of acute cervical spinal cord injury in sports.
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition that affects approximately 12,000 patients each year in the United States. Major causes for spinal cord injury include motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and direct trauma. ⋯ In a recent Phase I clinical trial, systemic hypothermia has been shown to be safe and provide some encouraging results in terms of functional recovery. This review will summarize recent preclinical data, as well as clinical findings that support the continued investigations for the use of hypothermia in severe cervical spinal cord injury.
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The relative incidence of catastrophic cervical spine injury in sports is low compared to other injuries. However, the potential catastrophic and life-altering consequences of spine injury cause understandable concern regarding the prehospital management and care of the cervical-spine-injured athlete. ⋯ Cervical spine injuries in these cases necessitate delicate and precise management, often involving the combined efforts of multiple health-care providers. The outcome of a catastrophic cervical spine injury is dependent on the efficiency of this management process and timeliness of transfer to a controlled environment for diagnosis and treatment.