Abstract
We review current topics in sports-related head injuries including acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and cerebral concussion. Sports-related ASDH is a leading cause of death and severe morbidity in popular contact sports like American football in the USA and judo in Japan. It is thought that rotational acceleration is most likely to produce not only cerebral concussion but also ASDH due to rupture of a parasagittal bridging vein, depending on the severity of the rotational acceleration injury. Repeated sports head injuries increase the risk for future concussion, cerebral swelling, or ASDH and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). To avoid fatal consequences or CTE resulting from repeated concussions, an understanding of the criteria for a safe post-concussion return to play is essential. Once diagnosed with a concussion, the athlete must not be allowed to return to play on the same day and should not resume play before the concussion symptoms have completely resolved. If brain damage has been confirmed or a subdural hematoma is present, the athlete should not be allowed to participate in any contact sports. Information on the risk for and management of head injuries in athletes participating in different sports should be widely disseminated in educational institutions and by public relations campaigns of sports organizations. Efforts must be made to educate not only personnel and parents directly involved in the care of athletes but also the general public.
