| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||||
 |
Overview. |
|---|
 Top. Overview. Justification.Process.Definitions.Recommendations.Note.REFERENCES |
|---|
By training and knowledge, neurologists and neurosurgeons are qualified to develop and disseminate guidelines for managing the athlete who suffers a concussion in sports. Questions addressed during neurologic or neurosurgical consultation for sports-related concussion require advice to the patient that is guided by neuroscience and the consensus of experts, rather than local lore and individual opinion. Most importantly, consultation to prevent catastrophic outcome and cumulative neurobehavioral deficits from repeated concussions can best be provided by the well-informed physician. This practice parameter is based on a background paper [1] written by James P. Kelly, MD, and Jay H. Rosenberg, MD, and on sports concussion guidelines published by the Colorado Medical Society. [2] This practice parameter for the management of concussion in sports is not intended to justify boxing as a legitimate sport, nor should it be construed to conflict with the official stance of the American Academy of Neurology, which has called for a ban on boxing.
|
Justification. |
|---|
|
Top.Overview.Justification.Process.Definitions.Recommendations.Note.REFERENCES |
|---|
Any sport has an inherent risk of injury. A balance must be reached between maintaining a competitive edge in a sport and ensuring participant safety. Frequently, the loss of objectivity on the part of the athlete, coaches, sports media, and spectators is an unfortunate and potentially harmful bias. In that setting, the health professional's role is to provide an objective assessment of the injured athlete and guidance about the safety of an athlete's return to competition.
|
Process. |
|---|
|
Top.Overview.Justification.Process.Definitions.Recommendations.Note.REFERENCES |
|---|
Because of the nature of this topic, no Class I studies exist. Over several years, the available evidence was evaluated and consensus was reached among the Sports Medicine Committee from the Colorado Medical Society, sports-related concussion symposia faculty, and meetings with physicians and non-physician expert groups concerned with this problem. The task undertaken by these groups was to develop the best method to prevent catastrophic outcomes of acute structural brain injury, second impact syndrome, and cumulative brain injury due to repetitive trauma. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, sports medicine physicians, physiatrists, neuropsychologists, athletic trainers, players, and others reached the consensus presented here. Drafts of this practice parameter were reviewed by the abovementioned groups, and a grading scale was created based on the scientific evidence as well as consensus.
|
Definitions. |
|---|
|
Top.Overview.Justification.Process.Definitions.Recommendations.Note.REFERENCES |
|---|
|
|
The usefulness of a grading scale has been well established in sports medicine to determine the severity of a concussion. [11] This practice parameter presents the following grading scale arrived at by a consensus of experts who reviewed all existing scales, including the recommendations in the Colorado Medical Society Guidelines. [2]
Grade 1:
1. Transient confusion
2. No loss of consciousness
3. Concussion symptoms or mental status abnormalities on examination resolve in less than 15 minutes.
Grade 1 concussion is the most common yet the most difficult form to recognize. The athlete is not rendered unconscious and suffers only momentary confusion (e.g., inattention, poor concentration, inability to process information or sequence tasks) or mental status alterations. Players commonly refer to this state as having been "dinged" or having their "bell rung."
Grade 2:
1. Transient confusion
2. No loss of consciousness
3. Concussion symptoms or mental status abnormalities on examination last more than 15 minutes
With Grade 2 concussion, the athlete is not rendered unconscious but experiences symptoms or exhibits signs of concussion or mental status abnormalities on examination that last longer than 15 minutes (e.g., poor concentration or posttraumatic amnesia). Any persistent Grade 2 symptoms (greater than 1 hour) warrant medical observation.
Grade 3:
1. Any loss of consciousness, either brief (seconds) or prolonged (minutes).
Grade 3 concussion is usually easy to recognize-the athlete is unconscious for any period of time.
Refer to Table 1 for details about behavioral features of concussion. A sideline evaluation to assess the status of the athlete suspected of having a concussion appears in Table 3. This evaluation should be performed by individuals properly trained in the administration of the examination. Timing of initial management and return to play are outlined in Table 4 and Table 5.
|
|
|
|
Recommendations. |
|---|
|
Top.Overview.Justification.Process.Definitions.Recommendations.Note.REFERENCES |
|---|
Grade 1. If the injured athlete's condition fits the description of a Grade 1 injury as described previously:
1. Remove from contest.
2. Examine immediately and at 5 minute intervals for the development of mental status abnormalities or post-concussive symptoms at rest and with exertion.
3. May return to contest if mental status abnormalities or post-concussive symptoms clear within 15 minutes.
4. A second Grade 1 concussion in the same contest eliminates the player from competition that day, with the player returning only if asymptomatic for one week at rest and with exercise.
Grade 2. If the injured athlete's condition fits the description of a Grade 2 injury as described previously:
1. Remove from contest and disallow return that day.
2. Examine on-site frequently for signs of evolving intracranial pathology.
3. A trained person should reexamine the athlete the following day.
4. A physician should perform a neurologic examination to clear the athlete for return to play after 1 full asymptomatic week at rest and with exertion.
5. CT or MRI scanning is recommended in all instances where headache or other associated symptoms worsen or persist longer than one week.
6. Following a second Grade 2 concussion, return to play should be deferred until the athlete has had at least two weeks symptom-free at rest and with exertion.
7. Terminating the season for that player is mandated by any abnormality on CT or MRI scan consistent with brain swelling, contusion, or other intracranial pathology.
Grade 3. If the injured athlete's condition fits the description of a Grade 3 injury as described previously:
1. Transport the athlete from the field to the nearest emergency department by ambulance if still unconscious or if worrisome signs are detected (with cervical spine immobilization, if indicated).
2. A thorough neurologic evaluation should be performed emergently, including appropriate neuroimaging procedures when indicated.
3. Hospital admission is indicated if any signs of pathology are detected, or if the mental status of the athlete remains abnormal.
4. If findings are normal at the time of the initial medical evaluation, the athlete may be sent home. Explicit written instructions will help the family or responsible party observe the athlete over a period of time.
5. Neurologic status should be assessed daily thereafter until all symptoms have stabilized or resolved.
6. Prolonged unconsciousness, persistent mental status alterations, worsening postconcussion symptoms, or abnormalities on neurologic examination require urgent neurosurgical evaluation or transfer to a trauma center.
7. After a brief (seconds) Grade 3 concussion, the athlete should be withheld from play until asymptomatic for 1 week at rest and with exertion.
8. After a prolonged (minutes) Grade 3 concussion, the athlete should be withheld from play for 2 weeks at rest and with exertion.
9. Following a second Grade 3 concussion, the athlete should be withheld from play for a minimum of 1 asymptomatic month. The evaluating physician may elect to extend that period beyond 1 month, depending on clinical evaluation and other circumstances.
10. CT or MRI scanning is recommended for athletes whose headache or other associated symptoms worsen or persist longer than 1 week.
11. Any abnormality on CT or MRI consistent with brain swelling, contusion, or other intracranial pathology should result in termination of the season for that athlete and return to play in the future should be seriously discouraged in discussions with the athlete.
Recommendations for future research:
1. Development of a valid, standardized, systematic sideline evaluation designed for the immediate assessment of concussion in athletes.
2. Development of a standardized, neuropsychological test battery designed to detect impairment associated with concussion.
3. Multicenter prospective studies documenting baseline physical, neurologic, and neuropsychological data in athletes and changes in these measurements following concussion.
4. Multicenter prospective studies to determine the physical, neurologic, and neuropsychological outcomes of multiple concussions.
|
Acknowledgments |
|---|
Quality Standards Subcommittee Members: Michael K. Greenberg, MD, Chair; Milton Alter, MD, PhD; Stephen Ashwal, MD; Thomas N. Byrne, MD; John Calverley, MD; Jasper R. Daube, MD; Gary Franklin, MD, MPH; Jacqueline French, MD; Benjamin M. Frishberg, MD; Douglas J. Lanska, MD; Robert G. Miller, MD; Shrikant Mishra, MD, MBA; Germaine L. Odenheimer, MD; George Paulson, MD; Richard A. Pearl, MD; James C. Stevens, MD; Catherine A. Zahn, MD; Jay H. Rosenberg, MD; Michael L. Goldstein, MD.
Special thanks to the following participants who met to critically review this practice parameter:
March 22, 1996, Pittsburgh meeting: James P. Kelly, MD; Jay H. Rosenberg, MD; Joseph Maroon, MD; Julian Bailes, MD; Jack Wilberger, MD; Mark Lovell, PhD; John Powell, PhD, ATC; Thomas Gennerelli, MD; Mark Hadley, MD; Jeffrey T. Barth, PhD; Merrill Hoge, retired NFL player; Barry D. Jordan, MD; John Norwig, ATC; Mike Tomczak, current NFL player.
April 28, 1996, Minneapolis Meeting: James P. Kelly, MD; Jay H. Rosenberg, MD; Joseph Maroon, MD; Julian Bailes, MD; Robert Cantu, MD; Jack Wilberger, MD; James Malec, PhD.
|
Note. |
|---|
|
Top.Overview.Justification.Process.Definitions.Recommendations.Note.REFERENCES |
|---|
>Reviewers of this practice parameter:
American Association of Neurological Surgeons; American College of Emergency Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Academy of Family Physicians; National Athletic Trainers Association; and American Academy of Neurology Member Reviewer Network.
Definitions for classification of evidence:
Class I:
Evidence provided by one or more well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials.
Class II:
Evidence provided by one or more well-designed clinical studies.
Class III:
Evidence provided by expert opinion, nonrandomized historical controls, or case reports.
Definitions for strength of recommendations:
Standards:
Generally accepted principles for patient management that reflect a high degree of certainty based on Class I evidence; or, when circumstances preclude randomized clinical trials, overwhelming evidence of Class II studies that directly address the question.
Guidelines:
Recommendations for patient management that identify a particular strategy or strategies that reflect moderate clinical certainty based on Class II evidence or consensus of Class III evidence.
Options:
Other strategies for patient management for which there is unclear clinical certainty based on inconclusive or conflicting evidence or opinion.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to the Quality Standards Subcommittee, American Academy of Neurology, 2221 University Ave. S.E., Suite 335, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
|
REFERENCES |
|---|
|
Top.Overview.Justification.Process.Definitions.Recommendations.Note.REFERENCES |
|---|
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  J Yang, G Phillips, H Xiang, V Allareddy, E Heiden, and C Peek-Asa Hospitalisations for sport-related concussions in US children aged 5 to 18 years during 2000-2004 Br. J. Sports Med., August 1, 2008; 42(8): 664 - 669. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
K M Ngai, F Levy, and E B Hsu Injury trends in sanctioned mixed martial arts competition: a 5-year review from 2002 to 2007 Br. J. Sports Med., August 1, 2008; 42(8): 686 - 689. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 K. Ganesalingam, K. O. Yeates, M. S. Ginn, H. G. Taylor, A. Dietrich, K. Nuss, and M. Wright Family Burden and Parental Distress Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Children and its Relationship to Post-concussive Symptoms J. Pediatr. Psychol., July 1, 2008; 33(6): 621 - 629. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. M Parker, L. R Osternig, P. van Donkelaar, and L.-S. Chou Recovery of cognitive and dynamic motor function following concussion Br. J. Sports Med., December 1, 2007; 41(12): 868 - 873. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 T. J. Bernard, G. A. deVeber, and T. A. Benke Athletic Participation After Acute Ischemic Childhood Stroke: A Survey of Pediatric Stroke Experts J Child Neurol, August 1, 2007; 22(8): 1050 - 1053. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 A. H. Ropper and K. C. Gorson Concussion N. Engl. J. Med., January 11, 2007; 356(2): 166 - 172. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 S. Chachad and A. Khan Concussion in the Athlete: A Review Clinical Pediatrics, April 1, 2006; 45(3): 285 - 288. [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 M. W. Kirkwood, K. O. Yeates, and P. E. Wilson Pediatric Sport-Related Concussion: A Review of the Clinical Management of an Oft-Neglected Population Pediatrics, April 1, 2006; 117(4): 1359 - 1371. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 C. I. Halterman, J. Langan, A. Drew, E. Rodriguez, L. R. Osternig, L.-S. Chou, and P. v. Donkelaar Tracking the recovery of visuospatial attention deficits in mild traumatic brain injury Brain, March 1, 2006; 129(3): 747 - 753. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 A Collie, M Makdissi, P Maruff, K Bennell, and P McCrory Cognition in the days following concussion: comparison of symptomatic versus asymptomatic athletes J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, February 1, 2006; 77(2): 241 - 245. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G J Browne and L T Lam Concussive head injury in children and adolescents related to sports and other leisure physical activities Br. J. Sports Med., February 1, 2006; 40(2): 163 - 168. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G J Buse No holds barred sport fighting: a 10 year review of mixed martial arts competition Br. J. Sports Med., February 1, 2006; 40(2): 169 - 172. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
K M Guskiewicz, S L Bruce, R C Cantu, M S Ferrara, J P Kelly, M McCrea, M Putukian, and T C V. McLeod Research based recommendations on management of sport related concussion: summary of the National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement Br. J. Sports Med., January 1, 2006; 40(1): 6 - 10. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M D Pleacher, W W Dexter, and W M Heinz Concussion management by primary care providers * Commentary Br. J. Sports Med., January 1, 2006; 40(1): e2 - e2. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 J. M. Bruce and R. J. Echemendia Concussion history predicts self-reported symptoms before and following a concussive event Neurology, October 26, 2004; 63(8): 1516 - 1518. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 B Willer, J Dumas, A Hutson, and J Leddy A population based investigation of head injuries and symptoms of concussion of children and adolescents in schools Inj. Prev., June 1, 2004; 10(3): 144 - 148. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. L. Warden Seeing stars: A clearer view Neurology, May 11, 2004; 62(9): 1462 - 1463. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 K. J. Jantzen, B. Anderson, F. L Steinberg, and J. A. S. Kelso A Prospective Functional MR Imaging Study of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in College Football Players AJNR Am. J. Neuroradiol., May 1, 2004; 25(5): 738 - 745. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 P. Durand Jr and G. J. Adamson On-the-Field Management of Athletic Head Injuries J. Am. Acad. Ortho. Surg., May 1, 2004; 12(3): 191 - 195. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 J. T. Finnoff, D. Mildenberger, and C. D. Cassidy Central Cord Syndrome in a Football Player With Congenital Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report Am. J. Sports Med., March 1, 2004; 32(2): 516 - 521. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 K. M. Guskiewicz, M. McCrea, S. W. Marshall, R. C. Cantu, C. Randolph, W. Barr, J. A. Onate, and J. P. Kelly Cumulative Effects Associated With Recurrent Concussion in Collegiate Football Players: The NCAA Concussion Study JAMA, November 19, 2003; 290(19): 2549 - 2555. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. McCrea, K. M. Guskiewicz, S. W. Marshall, W. Barr, C. Randolph, R. C. Cantu, J. A. Onate, J. Yang, and J. P. Kelly Acute Effects and Recovery Time Following Concussion in Collegiate Football Players: The NCAA Concussion Study JAMA, November 19, 2003; 290(19): 2556 - 2563. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. B. McKeag Understanding Sports-Related Concussion: Coming Into Focus but Still Fuzzy JAMA, November 19, 2003; 290(19): 2604 - 2605. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 A. Marchie and M. D. Cusimano Bodychecking and concussions in ice hockey: Should our youth pay the price? Can. Med. Assoc. J., July 22, 2003; 169(2): 124 - 128. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. W. Collins, M. Field, M. R. Lovell, G. Iverson, K. M. Johnston, J. Maroon, and F. H. Fu Relationship Between Postconcussion Headache and Neuropsychological Test Performance in High School Athletes Am. J. Sports Med., March 1, 2003; 31(2): 168 - 173. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M Uzura, Y Taguchi, M Matsuzawa, H Watanabe, and S Chiba Chronic subdural haematoma after snowboard head injury Br. J. Sports Med., February 1, 2003; 37(1): 82 - 83. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 J. H Piatt Jr. New Sideline Tool Tests Neurocognitive Effects of Concussion AAP Grand Rounds, November 1, 2002; 8(5): 51 - 52. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. D. Hinton-Bayre and G. Geffen Severity of sports-related concussion and neuropsychological test performance Neurology, October 8, 2002; 59(7): 1068 - 1070. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Kushner Toward an Evidence-Based Approach in the Management of Concussion: The Role of Neuroimaging AJNR Am. J. Neuroradiol., October 1, 2002; 23(9): 1442 - 1444. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J A Pettersen Does rugby headgear prevent concussion? Attitudes of Canadian players and coaches Br. J. Sports Med., February 1, 2002; 36(1): 19 - 22. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
B W Benson, M S Rose, W H Meeuwisse, J Kissick, and W O Roberts The impact of face shield use on concussions in ice hockey: a multivariate analysis Br. J. Sports Med., February 1, 2002; 36(1): 27 - 32. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. J. Stuart, A. M. Smith, S. A. Malo-Ortiguera, T. L. Fischer, and D. R. Larson A Comparison of Facial Protection and the Incidence of Head, Neck, and Facial Injuries in Junior A Hockey Players: A Function of Individual Playing Time Am. J. Sports Med., January 1, 2002; 30(1): 39 - 44. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. McCrory When to retire after concussion? Br. J. Sports Med., December 1, 2001; 35(6): 380 - 382. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. L. Warden, J. Bleiberg, K. L. Cameron, J. Ecklund, J. Walter, M. B. Sparling, D. Reeves, K. Y. Reynolds, and R. Arciero Persistent prolongation of simple reaction time in sports concussion Neurology, August 14, 2001; 57(3): 524 - 526. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. J. Bazarian, T. Veenema, A. F. Brayer, and E. Lee Knowledge of Concussion Guidelines Among Practitioners Caring for Children Clinical Pediatrics, April 1, 2001; 40(4): 207 - 212. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. M. A. LeBlanc;, J. B. Coombs, and R. Davis The Management of Minor Closed Head Injury in Children Pediatrics, December 1, 2000; 106(6): 1524 - 1525. [Full Text]
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. M. Guskiewicz, N. L. Weaver, D. A. Padua, and W. E. Garrett Jr. Epidemiology of Concussion in Collegiate and High School Football Players Am. J. Sports Med., September 1, 2000; 28(5): 643 - 650. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. W. Collins, M. R. Lovell, and D. B. Mckeag Current Issues in Managing Sports-Related Concussion JAMA, December 22, 1999; 282(24): 2283 - 2285. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. W. Collins, S. H. Grindel, M. R. Lovell, D. E. Dede, D. J. Moser, B. R. Phalin, S. Nogle, M. Wasik, D. Cordry, M. K. Daugherty, et al. Relationship Between Concussion and Neuropsychological Performance in College Football Players JAMA, September 8, 1999; 282(10): 964 - 970. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. P. Kelly Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion in Sports JAMA, September 8, 1999; 282(10): 989 - 991. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. M. Wojtys, D. Hovda, G. Landry, A. Boland, M. Lovell, M. McCrea, and J. Minkoff Concussion in Sports Am. J. Sports Med., September 1, 1999; 27(5): 676 - 687. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. D. Jordan, J. P. Kelly, and J. C. Stevens Management of concussion in sports Neurology, September 1, 1999; 53(4): 892 - 892. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 D. Kushner Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Toward Understanding Manifestations and Treatment Arch Intern Med, August 10, 1998; 158(15): 1617 - 1624. [Abstract] [Full Text]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 CONCUSSION IN SPORTS Journal Watch (General), April 4, 1997; 1997(404): 3 - 3. [Full Text]
|
|
| |||||
