Updates in Concussion Care: New Data, New Guidelines

Abstract

There has been increased public awareness, research, and legislation regarding to concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in young athletes. Along with this, there has been an increase in the number of annual emergency department (ED) visits for the evaluation of sports- and non-sports-related head injuries. Several medical organizations have published recommendations regarding the management of concussion and subsequent return to activities. The purpose of this article is to: (1) summarize these guidelines and provide up-to-date recommendations regarding concussion treatment, and (2) provide this author's approach to the concussion management in both the ED and sports medicine clinic settings.