Return to play guidelines after a head injury

Clin Sports Med. 1998 Jan;17(1):45-60. doi: 10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70060-0.

Abstract

Presently there are no universally accepted definitions of the grades of concussion or criteria for when to allow the athlete to return to competition after a head injury. What is agreed upon is that in order to avoid cumulative brain damage and the second impact syndrome, no athlete still suffering post-concussion symptoms should return to competition. This article is meant to serve only as a guideline as the final decision in every instance is a clinical judgement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Sports*
  • Trauma Severity Indices