The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology is charged with developing guidelines for neurologists for diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, and clinical disorders. The selection of topics for which practice parameters are developed is based on the prevalence, frequency of use, economic impact, membership need, controversy, urgency, external constraints, and resources required. Based upon the quality of the evidence, the Quality Standards Subcommittee determines whether the parameter is a standard, guideline, or option.
By training and knowledge, neurologists and neurosurgeons are qualified to develop and disseminate guidelines for managing the athlete who suffers a concussion in sports. Questions addressed during neurologic or neurosurgical consultation for sports-related concussion require advice to the patient that is guided by neuroscience and the consensus of experts, rather than local lore and individual opinion. Most importantly, consultation to prevent catastrophic outcome and cumulative neurobehavioral deficits from repeated concussions can best be provided by the well-informed physician. This practice parameter is based on a background paper [1] written by James P. Kelly, MD, and Jay H. Rosenberg, MD, and on sports concussion guidelines published by the Colorado Medical Society. [2] This practice parameter for the management of concussion in sports is not intended to justify boxing as a legitimate sport, nor should it be construed to conflict with the official stance of the American Academy of Neurology, which has called for a ban on boxing.
Concussion, a common consequence of trauma to the head in contact sports, can also occur from collisions or falls in all forms of athletic activity. Close observation and assessment of the injured athlete could be critical to the prevention of catastrophic brain injury [3-5] and cumulative neuropsychological deficits. [6-8] Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain injury in an individual injured over months or years. The problem faced by the …
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