Sports Concussion and Associated Post-Traumatic Headache by Tad Seifert

Concussion
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Institution
Concussion
The article Sports Concussion and Associated Post-Traumatic Headache by Tad Seifert argues that more than 3 million sports-related concussions are recorded every year (Seifert, 2013). One common symptom of concussive injury is headache resulting from traumatic brain injuries that require medical attention. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of sports related concussions.
Pathophysiology: Concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological progression that affects the brain because of traumatic biochemical forces. The main cause of concussion complications results from “metabolic mismatch” where cerebral glucose increases that leads to decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF) (Seifert, 2013). CBF variations lead to concussion-related symptoms and any observed neurological impairment.
Clinical Presentation: Concussion injuries can result from collision with other players, falls, high speed acceleration-deceleration, or being hit by an object. Some athletes may continue to play after the injury and this poses further risk of neurological deterioration. Some of the symptoms of concussion include vacant stare, emotional breakdown, motor incoordination, delayed verbal expression, memory loss or even loss of consciousness (Seifert, 2013).
Neuroimaging: Neuroimaging that includes Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), single-photon emission computerized tomography, and positron emission tomography can recognize structural, as well as functional discrepancies in the brain.
Clinical Management: The author declares that management of concussion requires physical and cognitive rest until the symptoms disappear. Athletes should stay out of competitions to achieve both physical and cognitive rest to heal before returning to play.
Returning to play should be considered after all symptoms have cleared. However, before returning ...