Clinical Practices in Collegiate Concussion Management.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sports leagues and experts have developed concussion management guidelines.
• Current clinical practice alignment with guidelines is unclear.
• Few studies examine collegiate concussion management and divisional differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine concussion diagnosis and management practices at NCAA colleges.
• Assess alignment of current practices with recommendations.
• Determine differences in management across competition divisions.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive epidemiology study using electronic questionnaires.
• Surveyed sports medicine clinicians at NCAA member colleges in 2013.
• Assessed baseline assessments, diagnosis, management, return-to-play, and perceived underdiagnosis.

Main Results:

• 866 clinicians responded (approx. 30% response rate).
• 95% of schools used preparticipation baseline exams, mostly for high-risk athletes.
• Multimodal examinations were used infrequently; differences in return-to-play time and physician referral noted across divisions.

Conclusions:

• Collegiate concussion management incorporates guideline elements but needs improvement.
• Increased use of multimodal baseline and postinjury exams is recommended.
• Enhancing concussion care aligns with best practice guidance for college athletes.