Concussion in the Adult Athlete

Abstract

Concussions are common in the athlete population. They occur after a trauma to the head and can lead to a loss of consciousness. Patients suffering from a concussion commonly present with confusion, amnesia and a headache in the context of a recent head trauma. The approach to this pathology consists in making a clinical diagnosis, ruling out life-threatening complications such as fractures and intracranial hemorrhages and educating the patient on a safe recovery and return-to play. Patients that do not have worrisome symptoms can be discharged home with a responsible adult that has been informed of when to seek medical care in case of a complication. After a short rest period they should be advised to resume gradually their cognitive and physical activity. After a minimal period of 10 days and in the absence of symptoms, the patients can undergo a progressive return to play plan.