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Treatment of Acute Sports-Related Concussion

  • Concussion (C Senter and M Kapadia, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Here, we summarize the current scientific literature on the management of sports-related concussion (SRC) in the acute period (< 6 weeks post-injury) with a focus on rest, return to learn, return to play, and emerging treatments.

Recent Findings

While relative rest is recommended for the first 24–48 h following acute SRC, the most recent guidelines highlight the lack of evidence for complete rest and in fact show that prolonged cognitive and physical rest can be detrimental. Gradual return to learn and play is recommended. Return to sport should only occur once the patient is symptom free. While there are no FDA-approved medications for acute treatment of concussion, there is preclinical data for the benefit of omega 3 fatty acids. Evidence is limited around the benefits of treating sleep disorders, vestibular-ocular dysfunction, and neck pain in the acute period.

Summary

After 24–48 h of rest, SRC patients may gradually resume cognitive and physical activity. More research is needed to determine if any supplements, medications, and/or physical therapy are indicated in the management in acute SRC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Stanford-O’Connor Hospital, The Permanente Medical Group, 2105 Forest Ave, San Jose, CA, 95128, USA

    Anjali Gupta

  2. Sports Medicine, The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser South San Francisco Medical Center, 1200 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA

    Greg Summerville

  3. Primary Care Sports Medicine, UCSF Orthopedic Institute, University of California, San Francisco, 1500 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA

    Carlin Senter

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  1. Anjali Gupta
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Correspondence to Anjali Gupta.

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Anjali Gupta and Greg Summerville each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Carlin Senter is a section editor for Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Medicine.

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Gupta, A., Summerville, G. & Senter, C. Treatment of Acute Sports-Related Concussion. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 12, 117–123 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09545-7

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