Same-day return to play? Not for young athletes

Unfortunately, space limitations prevented us from discussing each set of recommendations at length in the current manuscript. As this article was written from the viewpoint of a neurologist, we opted to use the AAN guidelines. However, the discrepancies in the various guidelines illustrate the importance of continued evidence-based research on this topic.

We recognize the challenge of being a sideline practitioner, in that specific guidelines may not always fit your clinical situation. And we agree that treatment must be based on the individual patient and circumstances. We do not oppose more conservative approaches if practitioners feel this is appropriate for their patients.

In response to the comment concerning checking on the concussed patient every 2 hours, we would like to point out that this practice is still recommended and is referenced within the article. Concussed patients are routinely awakened in the hospitalized setting, with orders for “neuro checks” throughout the night to evaluate for neurologic deterioration. Adopting this practice outside of the hospital can be beneficial and cost-effective, as it allows for scheduled monitoring within the home environment.

Amanda McConnell, DO, MPH
Jay Shubrook, DO
Ohio University College
of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens