Managing an athlete with concussion

For many health care professionals, the first chance to assess an athlete with a suspected concussion will not be on the sidelines, but an office or emergency department.

 

This examination will likely include a physical examination, covering cognition, neurology, balance, and most importantly, any signs of deteriorating neurological function.

 

When managing an athlete with a concussion, a health care professional’s management plan should cover both returning to school and to play, and should:

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Monitor both physical and cognitive activities

Consider concussion history

Be individualized to the athlete

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Outside of the emergency department, in most cases, it will be possible to monitor the athlete where you work–especially if the number and severity of symptoms are steadily decreasing and gone within 7 to 14 days.

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For health care professionals working in an emergency department, an athlete should be referred for follow up care from a health care professional who can help him or her gradually return to school and to play when fully recovered.

 

An athlete should not leave an emergency department and return to practice or play the same day nor should a future return to practice or play date be given at the time of an emergency department visit.