Francis Murphey

Initial management of athletic injuries to the head and neck

Abstract Over half of the fatal injuries sustained by athletes result from trauma to the head and neck. Any significant reduction in the mortality rate following athletic injuries to the head must begin with the team or family physician. Only through the physicians acute awareness of his responsibility in the detection of the symptoms and signs which suggest impending disaster, and the institution of emergency treatment when indicated, can these fatalities be avoided. In injuries to the cervical spine with damage to the spinal cord or nerve root, the primary responsibility of the team or local physician is the prevention of additional neurologic damage. The precautions regarding movement and transportation of these patients must be rigidly enforced by the physician who institutes the initial management of these injured athletes. The period of time which should elapse following specific injuries prior to resumption of athletic competition and the injuries which constitute definite contraindication to contact sport activity are discussed.