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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
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A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
Concussions in adolescent athletes
Verle Valentine1, Walton W Curl
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA.
Instructional Course Lectures
|September 9, 2006
Summary
A concussion is a brain injury caused by trauma, leading to functional disturbances. Evaluation involves assessing consciousness, memory, and neurological function, with computerized tests aiding clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Concussions are complex brain injuries resulting from traumatic biomechanical forces.
- These injuries cause functional, not structural, brain disturbances, presenting with diverse symptoms like confusion and headache.
- Concussions are prevalent in athletes across all levels, particularly younger individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define concussion and outline its pathophysiologic process.
- To detail the comprehensive evaluation required for concussion patients.
- To highlight diagnostic and treatment considerations, including emerging tools.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, consciousness, orientation, memory, concentration, and neurological function.
- Utilizing published grading scales and return-to-play guidelines.
- Incorporating computerized neuropsychological testing as an adjunct for clinical decision-making.
Main Results:
- Concussions present with a wide array of symptoms and require thorough patient evaluation.
- Established guidelines and emerging tools like computerized testing aid in management.
- Potential complications include spinal cord injury, intracranial pathology, and long-term cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Concussion management requires a comprehensive approach, considering individual patient factors.
- Computerized neuropsychological testing offers a valuable adjunct to traditional assessment tools.
- While guidelines exist, each concussion is a unique injury requiring tailored clinical decisions.
