How to identify and manage sports related concussions in primary care

What you need to knowConcussion rehabilitation should last at least 20 days for non-elite sport participants, with a dedicated relative rest period of 24-48 hours and then phased return to work, education, and finally, sportNo return to competitive sport should occur before day 21 following concussion in non-elite athletesRecovery from concussion varies, but for most people, symptoms will resolve within two weeks. If symptoms have not settled within four weeks, refer patients to a concussion specialist, eg, a consultant in sport and exercise medicine or a neurologist with a specialist interestA 20 year old female amateur footballer comes to your GP practice following a head collision on the pitch two days ago. She felt unsteady at the time of the collision, has had a headache since, and is finding it difficult to concentrate.Sports related concussion (SRC) is defined as “a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical…
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