[Head injuries in sports--evaluation during admission, follow-up and routine check-ups]

The authors review head injuries during sport. Among 3,206 such injuries treated at the Regional Hospital, Trondheim, in the course of one year, 12% were injuries to head and face. Minor injuries are classified as. Mild (no amnesia or loss of consciousness), no symptoms, the activity can continue, but one week of rest is recommended. Moderate (amnesia or loss of consciousness < 1 min), medical examination, and two weeks of rest are recommended. Major (loss of consciousness < 5 min), CT scan and one month of rest are recommended. With repeated moderate or triple mild traumas, CT and the possible termination of the sporting season should be considered. Serious head injuries with intracranial pathology will generally disqualify the person from further elite competition. The possible consequences of repeated head injuries during football and other contact sports are stressed, and more regular use of neurophysiologic methods (EEG) and magnetic resonance (MR) in selected cases is recommended. The authors also point out the advantages of using helmets and protective gear, and the doctors' role in advocating such equipment.