It's Just a Game: Preconcussion Baseline Assessment and Return-to-Play Guidelines for Sports-Related Concussions

Every year, millions of athletes of all ages participate in recreational activities, putting many at risk for sports-related concussions. This topic has gained national attention and placed pressure on governing bodies to hold the healthcare industry responsible for identifying, managing, and clearing athletes. As we gather more information about the mechanism and pathophysiological process of concussions, it is clear that no single factor plays a role in prevention. Preconcussion clinical assessment and education are paramount to identify risk factors and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Some experts consider computerized baseline neuropsychological testing as the "cornerstone" in the evaluation and management of sports-related concussions and may be a valuable future tool. To ensure the safety of athletes, individualized graduated return-to-play protocols have been developed. This article provides an overview of the newest guidelines and education regarding preconcussion baseline assessments and provides consistency in the evaluation and management of return-to-play recommendations.