The American Academy of Neurosurgery has published a guideline recommending that coaches remove any athlete suspected of having a concussion from play until he or she is evaluated by a neurologist or physician trained in concussion management, according to an AAN news release.
According to the statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that concussions occur three million times in the United States each year. The recommendation was approved by the AAN board of directors in an attempt to influence policy makers who determine the procedures for when athletes suffer from concussions.
The five recommendations as listed as follows:
1. Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions.
2. No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he or she is still experiencing symptoms of a concussion.
3. Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
4. A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices where athletes are at risk for concussion.
5. Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussions by all athletes, parents and coaches.
Read the AAN release on the concussion guideline.
Read more about concussion management:
- As Concussion Injuries Rise, NFL Imposes Fines for Unnecessary Roughness Regulations
- 10 Stories for Team Physicians About Concussion Awareness
- Athletes Can Experience Brain Damage Without Concussion Symptoms
According to the statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that concussions occur three million times in the United States each year. The recommendation was approved by the AAN board of directors in an attempt to influence policy makers who determine the procedures for when athletes suffer from concussions.
The five recommendations as listed as follows:
1. Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions.
2. No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he or she is still experiencing symptoms of a concussion.
3. Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
4. A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices where athletes are at risk for concussion.
5. Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussions by all athletes, parents and coaches.
Read the AAN release on the concussion guideline.
Read more about concussion management:
- As Concussion Injuries Rise, NFL Imposes Fines for Unnecessary Roughness Regulations
- 10 Stories for Team Physicians About Concussion Awareness
- Athletes Can Experience Brain Damage Without Concussion Symptoms