Concussion in teenage athletes

Sport-related concussion is a common injury in the adolescent athlete. Despite increasing awareness in both the lay public and medical communities, it still is too often unreported or missed, and management strategies remain quite varied among medical practitioners. Understanding how to diagnose and manage concussions is an important component for any physician who cares for pediatric and adolescent patients. If diagnosed and treated appropriately, concussions generally completely resolve; however, delayed diagnosis and improper management can result in prolonged recovery and life-altering complications. Concussions cannot be prevented, but there are many strategies that may decrease the incidence.