Treatment of head injuries.

Abstract

Sports-related brain injuries are increasing in incidence and may affect athletes from many different sports. Concussion is the most common form of sports-related head injury and is a form of mild traumatic brain injury. Evaluations of concussed athletes should include careful history, focused neurologic examination, balance testing, and cognitive testing. Postinjury management consists of avoiding aggravating factors until symptoms resolve. Return to play should not begin until all symptoms resolve, and then this should be done in a graduated fashion that avoids recreating symptoms. Research is ongoing concerning the maximum safe number of concussive injuries and any possible long-term sequelae.