Neurosurgery
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The management of patients with sports-related concussion (SRC) is comprehensive and includes preseason planning, education, initial evaluation, postinjury assessment, disposition, return-to-play decisions, and consideration of long-term brain health. Several recent publications have addressed sports concussion management using the best available evidence, and we review them here. ⋯ Although many questions remain unanswered, there are several areas of agreement including the importance of education, preseason assessment, the benefit and utility of a standardized multimodal assessment on the sidelines, individualized treatment and return-to-play protocols, and the benefit of a multidisciplinary team in managing complicated injuries. This paper reviews these current sports concussion guidelines and the best available evidence that guides current management of SRC.
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Concussion is an important cause of morbidity in young student athletes. The prevention, accurate diagnosis, and prompt management of concussions require that players, parents, coaches, and medical personnel are accurately educated on current concussion data and guidelines. ⋯ There is currently no uniform educational program to disseminate information to student athletes regarding concussions. This article highlights a few nationally recognized educational programs that aim to accurately and effectively inform all members of the athletic, academic, and medical communities about the importance and urgency of concussion.