Safety

Baseline and Post-Injury Neuropsychological Testing Valuable Tool in Concussion Management Says Dr. Robert Cantu

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Computerized baseline pre-injury and post-injury neuropsychological testing can be an important part of concussion management, says Dr. Robert Cantu, particularly in terms of identifying cognitive impairment, but isn't foolproof, does not allow a "red light/green light" decision on return to play, and is only one piece of the assessment puzzle.

Monitoring Your Child After a Concussion

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Regular post-concussion monitoring is essential in the first 24 to 48 hours after injury to check for signs of deteriorating mental status that may indicate a more serious injury, says Dr. Robert Cantu.

What Are The Steps To Follow To Return To Play For Athlete Who Has Been Sidelined With A Concussion For Several Weeks?

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If an athlete has been sidelined by a concussion for several weeks or longer, Dr. Robert Cantu recommends that he follow a "stepwise" approach to return to play.

What is Second Impact Syndrome?

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Second-impact syndrome occurs when a high school athlete who sustains a head injury - often a concussion or worse injury, such as a cerebral contusion (bruised brain) - sustains a second head injury before symptoms associated with the first injury have cleared. The condition, while rare, causes a sharp increase in intracranial pressure that is almost always fatal, says Dr. Robert Cantu.

No Return to Play In Same Game or Practice After Concussion For Youth Athletes, Says Dr. Robert Cantu

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Because of the risk to youth and high school athletes of suffering a second potentially fatal brain injury before the brain has healed from the initial injury - a condition called second impact syndrome - Dr. Cantu advises against allowing such athletes to return to play in the same game or practice after experiencing post-concussion signs or symptoms.

Are All Concussions The Same?

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While concussions share certain characteristics, every concussion is unique to that particular individual, says Dr. Robert Cantu, and requires individualized management.

What is a Concussion?

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In layperson's terms, a concussion results from trauma (e.g. usually but not always a blow to the head, face or neck) which causes the brain - a jellylike structure which is normally protected from collisions with the skull by a tough, fluid-filled membrane - to collide with the skull.

What is a Concussion?

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In layperson's terms, a concussion results from trauma (e.g. usually but not always a blow to the head, face or neck) which causes the brain - a jellylike structure which is normally protected from collisions with the skull by a tough, fluid-filled membrane - to collide with the skull.

Grading Sports Concussions After Symptoms Clear Has Value

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Dr. Robert Cantu says that while there is debate about the importance of grading concussions, he sees value, especially where an athlete has suffered multiple concussions and where the grading is done after the signs and symptoms have cleared.