Head and cervical spine injuries

Abstract

Abstract Head and neck injuries in youth athletes range from concussion and cervical strain to intracranial haemorrhage and quadriplegia. Concussion is a common head injury and can occur without loss of consciousness. Post-concussion syndrome can occur after a single concussion or may develop after multiple concussions. Any athlete who remains symptomatic after a concussion or is suffering from post-concussion syndrome should not return to athletic competition. Multiple head injuries, even sub-concussive blows, may lead to the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy which currently can only conclusively be diagnosed on pathological examination. Youth athletes who are suspected to have sustained a cervical spine injury should be immobilised, typically with both shoulder pads and helmet on unless the helmet needs to be removed for airway access, in which case both should be removed. Several studies have shown the improved sensitivity of computed tomography imaging compared to plain radiography in diagnosing cervical spine injuries in youth athletes and measures can be taken to minimise the effective radiation received.