Question 1

I saw that there are new guidelines for diagnosing sports-related concussions in young athletes. What has changed?

Mike Ouellette · Accepted Answer

After reviewing 25 years of scientific research from 1990 to 2015, there are now new guidelines for the diagnosis and management of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as a concussion. One of the more important aspects is the recommendation to not perform a complete diagnostic brain imaging by CT scan unless there is a specific set of signs and symptoms present indicating high risk factor that would justify the use of neuroimaging. There are a number of excellent updated validated concussion assessment tools now available to physicians to help guide in the diagnosis and treatment of TBI. The Centers for Disease Control has excellent resources for patients and families who wish to learn more about head injuries and more, at CDC.gov.

Question 2

I saw that there are new guidelines for diagnosing sports-related concussions in young athletes. What has changed?

Mike Ouellette · Accepted Answer

After reviewing 25 years of scientific research from 1990 to 2015, there are now new guidelines for the diagnosis and management of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as a concussion. One of the more important aspects is the recommendation to not perform a complete diagnostic brain imaging by CT scan unless there is a specific set of signs and symptoms present indicating high risk factor that would justify the use of neuroimaging. There are a number of excellent updated validated concussion assessment tools now available to physicians to help guide in the diagnosis and treatment of TBI. The Centers for Disease Control has excellent resources for patients and families who wish to learn more about head injuries and more, at CDC.gov.