[Sports and head injuries. Guidelines for the management and subsequent return to training and competition]

Head injuries in sports have received increased attention during the past decade. As explained in this article, the most recent guidelines for the management of head injuries in sports adopted by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) have been adapted for the Swedish sports society. The guidelines include a grading scale of head injuries in sports, a sideline evaluation to aid physicians, coaches and athletes in the acute situation, and a management strategy for safe return to play after a head injury. The use of these guidelines will facilitate appropriate acute and subacute management and thereby prevent repeated head injuries that could lead to potentially catastrophic outcome or long-term cognitive sequelae.