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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

12:11
Objectively Assessing Sports Concussion Utilizing Visual Evoked Potentials
Published on: April 27, 2021
Sideline and ringside evaluation for brain and spinal injuries
Vincent J Miele1, John A Norwig, Julian E Bailes
1Department of Neurosurgery, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-9183, USA. lesvin@adelphia.net
Neurosurgical Focus
|November 23, 2006
Summary
Athletes in contact sports risk neurological injury. Prompt sideline identification and management of head and spinal injuries are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Contact and collision sports pose significant risks of athlete injury.
- Neurological damage presents the highest potential for severe morbidity and mortality.
- Proper sideline management of neurological injuries is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a guide for sideline identification of head and spinal injuries.
- To outline the immediate management of athletic neurological injuries.
- To differentiate between minor and serious neurological damage on the sidelines.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on sideline neurological injury assessment.
- Development of a practical management algorithm for athletic head and spinal injuries.
- Emphasis on rapid on-site evaluation techniques.
Main Results:
- Key indicators for serious neurological injury in athletes.
- Step-by-step protocols for sideline management.
- Importance of immediate referral and transport decisions.
Conclusions:
- Effective sideline management hinges on accurate injury identification.
- Timely and correct treatment optimizes recovery from neurological trauma in sports.
- This guide aids healthcare providers in managing athletic head and spinal injuries.

