On–field management of sports–related head injuries

Abstract

  The Concussion in Sports Group set up by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the IOC (International Olympic Committee), and the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) and joined by World Rugby and the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) has provided international consensuses about sports‒related concussions (SRCs). The newest ‘Berlin Statement’ was published in 2017 with the SCAT (Sports Concussion Assessment Tool) 5, the Child SCAT 5, and the CRT (Concussion Recognition Tool) 5, which suggest methods for the practical on‒field management and follow‒up of SRCs. The Berlin Statement recommends that medical staff at sporting venues take care of sports‒related emergencies including neurological problems as well as musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or abdominal events. As neurosurgeons, we are also encouraged to master the prehospital care of SRCs by using the JPTEC (Japan Prehospital Trauma Evaluation and Care) recommendations, the PHICIS (Prehospital Immediate Care in Sports) guidelines, and BLS (basic life support). Before game days, medical staff should repeat simulation trainings based on possible accidents and injuries.