The On-Site Management of Athletes With Head Injuries

Abstract

In brief: Sports physicians should be able to recognize head injuries, assess their severity, and resuscitate and transport the injured athlete. Top priorities are maintaining an adequate airway, normal ventilation, and hemodynamic stability. Concussions may seem trivial but require close observation. Patients with concussions that are unresolved or complicated by systemic disorders, as well as concussed preschool children, should be evaluated at a hospital. More serious head injuries should be directed to a regional neurosurgical facility.