title: Preventing nervous system sports injuries.
abstract: Physical fitness and sports remain integral components of overall good health and a cornerstone of preventive medicine. When performed safely, under adequate supervision, and with appropriate protective gear, most of these activities are enjoyable, healthful and psychologically gratifying. When not performed safely by trained athletes, these same activities can be treacherous, injurious and permanently disabling. The goals of this article are to review and describe low-risk and high-risk sports activities. A number of underlying mechanisms responsible for a particularly alarming amount of morbidity in sports will be reviewed. Fundamentals of the diagnosis and emergency treatment of many injuries will be discussed. Most important, a series of steps to be taken to improve upon sports safety will be outlined. The responsibility for the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation and management of patients with nervous system sports injuries is one shared by participating athletes, coaches, trainers and the entire health care community.
authors.affiliation: State University of New York.
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Lehman
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D012449:Safety; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System