Recurrent athletic head injury: risks and when to retire.
This article focuses on the issues related to recurrent athletic head injuries; specifically, when cumulative exponential injury or the second impact syndrome may be anticipated. Case histories and research studies are used to illustrate the salient points. A signs-and-symptoms checklist for use in concussion evaluation and management is included. Finally, the topic of when to retire after repeated athletic head injuries is discussed and illustrated with a case study.
Cantu
Robert C
RC
Neurosurgery Service, Emerson Hospital, 133 Ormac, Concord, MA 01742, USA. rcantu@emersonhosp.org
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000145:classification / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries; D006688:Hockey / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012179:Retirement; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000379:methods; D013577:Syndrome