Neurosurgery and Sport-Related Concussion at the Amsterdam Consensus Meeting

Abstract

The 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Amsterdam in October 2022 was a scientifically rigorous process that included international experts in sport-related concussion (SRC) from many medical and allied health disciplines. The scientific process included 10 systematic reviews that addressed SRC prevention, diagnosis, management, and potential long-term sequelae. The definition of SRC was revised to include contemporary neurophysiological and neuroimaging findings. Outputs from the meeting included the updated Concussion Recognition Tool 6, Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 and Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6, and the introduction of new tools, the Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool 6 and Child Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool 6. The consensus statement included prevention strategies, the importance of physical activity and aerobic exercise in SRC management, rehabilitation strategies, the role of advanced neuroimaging and biomarkers in SRC research, management of retirement issues, analysis of potential long-term effects of SRC, pediatric recommendations, para athlete management, and ethical considerations. This review also discusses the important role of the neurosurgeon in concussion management, research, and advocacy.