Head and Neck Injuries in Sports: Overview

Abstract

Head and neck injuries in sports are reviewed, with the exception of skiing and snowboarding. In Japan, no nationwide data concerning head and neck injuries in sports are currently available. The most frequent sports-related severe brain injury reported in the literature is acute subdural hematoma. Common causes include judo, rugby football, American football and boxing. Among popular collegiate sports in the United States, on the other hand, a higher rate of concussion is observed in ice hockey, American football and soccer. It is estimated that there are some hundreds of sports-related cervical injury casualties in Japan every year, with the highest frequencies seen in plunge diving, skiing and footballs. Concussion is defined as a trauma-induced alteration of mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. It is rarely a critical condition unless prolonged symptoms continue without recovery. However, repeated concussion is believed to result in serious brain damage. Trainers and physicians should be circumspect before returning casualties with concussion to any sports activity. Some standards, proposed by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) or the Concussion in Sports Group (CISG), have been presented even on the Internet. Neurosurgeons should be familiar with these standards and give such concussion-related casualties the optimum advice so they can return in an appropriate manner to training or participation.