Concussion Treatment & Recovery

Female soccer players and soccer players who have had a previous concussion recuperate differently from males or players without a history of concussion, recent research shows, but later studies show no difference, leading the most recent international consensus statement on concussion in sport to conclude that a consensus on gender as a modifying factor in concussion management is not currently possible.

Baseline and post-concussion neuropsychological (NP) testing is now recommended for all athletes in sports with a high risk of concussion (e.g. football, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, basketball), regardless of age or level of performance, but the timing and type of testing may need to be adjusted for children and adolescents.

Less than half of U.S. high schools have an athletic trainer on staff.  Given their key role in assessing sports concussions and return to play decisions, every school should have one.

Concussions don't usually show up on most magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams or CAT scans. As a result, conventional CT or MRI scans of the brain are usually not needed where post-concussion symptoms are mild and clear within a week to ten days. A CT or MRI is, however, recommended in some circumstances.

A multiple concussion history, especially where concussions occur with progressively less impact force, are considered modifying factors in the investigation and management of concussion under the current international consensus statement on concussions.

The current international consensus of concussion experts recognizes that they lack the ability to predict injury severity or
outcomes at the time of concussion injury, calls for consideration of range of "modifying factors."

Regardless of which return to play guidelines a child's school or sports program follows for concussions, they are just guidelines, not ironclad rules, with a child's return to play determined on case-by-case basis.

Deteriorating mental status after head trauma may indicate a more serious, potentially life-threatening brain injury requiring immediate hospitalization.

The AT is an invaluable member of the sports medicine team, particularly when an athlete suffers a concussion, because they have specialized training, and see athletes on a daily basis.  Because they are trusted by athletes, they can encourage the honest self-reporting that is key to avoiding delayed recovery or catastrophic injury.