Assessment and Management of Sports Concussion

Abstract

Interest in the assessment and management of sports-related concussions (SRCs) has been on the increase as more individuals have become involved in sports-based activities. The pathophysiology of both the primary injury and the postconcussive symptoms has been the focus of increased research and study. Improvements in the assessment and detection of concussions both on the field and in the clinical setting have led to more effective management of the acute injury and improved outcomes. Increased awareness of the complexities of postconcussion syndrome and its associated somatic and cognitive complications can aid the physician in more appropriately treating the patient with refractory symptoms. This chapter summarizes the present understanding of the pathophysiology of concussions, current recommendations regarding the initial assessment of SRC, and recommendations for the management of SRC-related somatic and cognitive complications.