Outcome after mild head injury

Abstract

Although concern about mild sports head injury has significantly increased in the past decade, few well-controlled studies exist. As such, we are not able to definitively specify the effect of injury biomechanics, severity, frequency, and complications on outcome. Until more definitive research is completed, management of mild head injury will have to be based on clinical judgment rather than empiric fact. Despite present empiric limitations, several tentative conclusions appear appropriate. First, head injury is a relatively frequent occurrence in sports. Second, the overwhelming majority of single, grade 1 injuries have few persisting symptoms, and morbidity in the short-term appears low. Third, multiple injuries (> 3), especially grade 2 or grade 3, may have long-term irreversible consequences. Fourth, as best as we can tell, athletes with apparently equivalent injuries by clinical standards may have different outcomes. Finally, outcome in mild sports head injury must receive increased research attention, and some symmetry and coordination of efforts should be encouraged.