Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Nurse practitioners are at the forefront of efforts to increase health within our communities and thus play a vital role in the prevention of head injuries among children and adolescents engaging in sports. In recent times, the media have increased public awareness regarding the long-term effects of concussive injuries in professional athletes in sports such as football and hockey, which are traditionally classified as contact sports. The purpose of this article is to highlight the risk of concussion among children and adolescents engaging in traditionally high contact sports and sports that are less often considered in the context of concussion.
Introduction
Recent headlines and television segments have detailed the long-term effects of head injury on professional athletes. It is essential to consider the possibility that these injuries are affecting younger athletes participating in a broad range of activities. The underdiagnosis of concussion and associated consequences have become increasingly problematic. Fortunately, efforts are under way to ensure more effective diagnosis and treatment of head injuries. The Concussion Treatment Care Tools Act of 2009 (HR 1347) was approved by Congress to provide for the establishment of concussion management guidelines for school-age children and adolescents participating in sports. It is essential that nurse practitioners (NPs), as specialists in primary care, help facilitate the early recognition of concussive injuries and promote public awareness of these potentially catastrophic injuries. The purpose of this article is to review the most current information to define, assess, and return children to play based on the pathophysiology of concussion.