Nearly 15 percent of sports-related injuries among high school athletes are concussions, and the timing of return to play after a sports-related concussion is similar whether clearance is given by a physician or athletic trainer, according to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Concussions are often assessed by primary care physicians instead of sports medicine specialists when a medical physician is involved, and computed tomography is taken in one of every five concussions occurring among high school athletes.
Researchers examined concussions recorded by the High School Reporting Information Online injury surveillance system taken during the 2009-2010 academic year, which recorded 1,056 sports-related concussions. Approximately 94 percent of the concussions were assessed by athletic trainers, and 58.8 percent of the concussions were also cared for by primary care physicians.
Computerized neuropsychological testing was used in 41.2 percent of cases.
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Researchers examined concussions recorded by the High School Reporting Information Online injury surveillance system taken during the 2009-2010 academic year, which recorded 1,056 sports-related concussions. Approximately 94 percent of the concussions were assessed by athletic trainers, and 58.8 percent of the concussions were also cared for by primary care physicians.
Computerized neuropsychological testing was used in 41.2 percent of cases.
Related Articles on Sports Medicine:
Study Examines Return-to-Play After ACL Reconstruction
Study: High School Football Players Wearing Ankle Braces Have Fewer Injuries
Girls and Boys Show Different Symptoms After Concussions