Concussion in sports: the sideline assessment

Sports Health. 2009 Sep;1(5):361-9. doi: 10.1177/1941738109343158.

Abstract

Context: The vast differences between individual athletes makes identifying and evaluating sports-related concussion one of the most complex and perplexing injuries faced by medical personnel.

Evidence acquisition: This review summarizes the existing literature supporting the use of a multifaceted approach to concussion evaluation on the sideline of the athletic field. Information was drawn from a PubMed search (MEDLINE) for the terms sport concussion for the most recent and relevant literature.

Conclusions: By using a standardized clinical examination that is supported by objective measures of concussion-related symptoms, mental status, and postural control, the medical professional becomes well equipped to make an informed diagnosis.

Keywords: mild traumatic brain injury; neurocognitive status; postural control; symptoms.