ASSESSING AND MANAGING SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSIONS
Monday, November 14, 2011
A new study by researchers at CIRP and Children’s Hospital
Boston found that a lack of standardized evidence-based guidelines has led to
inconsistencies in who is diagnosing and managing concussions sustained by
athletes at high school sporting events in the U.S.
Additional highlights of the research include:
-
While a majority of concussed athletes were
examined by a medical professional, the type of professional varied -- from athletic
trainer, to primary care doctor, to specialist, to a combination of these three.
-
Athletic
trainers were just as effective as specialists in assessing and managing
concussions.
-
It
is important for primary care doctors to stay up-to-date on current concussion
management guidelines as many high school athletes only see primary care
doctors and not specialists.
-
Clinicians in the study ordered CT scans 6.5
times more often than MRIs, highlighting the need for additional education to
help medical professionals recognize the benefits of using MRIs over CT scans
in this scenario.
-
As
opposed to CT scans, MRIs have no radiation and are more effective in detecting
traumatic lesions.
-
Non-medical professionals are still making
return-to-play decisions for some high school athletes. Researchers strongly
recommend that only physicians or athletic trainers make this decision given
the serious risks that go along with putting athletes back in play before their
symptoms have resolved.
Print/download the complete press release
Print/download the return to play after concussions fact
sheet
Read the PubMed abstract
Learn more about concussions or schedule an appointment
at a concussion clinic