Sports-related concussion: the role of the headache specialist

Over the past few years, sports-related concussion has received significant media attention making it one of the most, if not highest profile neurological disorder. Thirty-one states now have passed sports concussion laws, with 14 states pending legislation. Most concussions are managed by primary care physicians, ie, family practice trained sports medicine physicians and pediatricians. Symptoms are usually short lived and do not require treatment. The one exception is headache, which is usually present from onset and is often the last symptom to resolve. Headache is the most common reason for referral to a specialist, and therefore it is imperative that the headache specialist have at least a basic understanding of all aspects of sports concussion as they are likely going to be called upon to evaluate these athletes, especially the more refractory cases.