Treatment of Head and Neck Injuries in the Helmeted Athlete

• DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.15.00077
• Publication Date: 2016-03-02T04:14:49Z
• Authors: B. Kent Diduch; Korin Hudson; Jacob E. Resch; Francis Shen; Donna K. Broshek; William Brady; Steven L. Cole; Ron Courson; Titus Castens; Adam Shimer; Mark D. Miller
• Keywords: Trainer; Sports medicine

➢ Sport-related concussion treatment includes three major phases: initial evaluation at the time of injury, while patient is symptomatic, and readiness for a gradual return to participation. Each should include similar elements: assessment symptoms, cognitive ability, coordination (of eyes, upper extremities, lower extremities), additional injuries. The spine-boarding recommendations from American College Emergency Physicians, National Association EMS Athletic Trainers’ have changed. These both decreased use spinal immobilization removal helmet shoulder pads prior securing athlete board when sufficient numbers trained providers are present. Preseason training pregame meetings or “medical outs” become standard practice sidelines medical team (including athletic trainer, physician, emergency response personnel, possibly others).