Evaluation and treatment of trauma related collapse in athletes

Abstract

Although blunt traumatic injuries are common in athletes, life-threatening trauma is fortunately rare. Most current literature has focused on nontraumatic causes of athlete death though traumatic injuries may be more common. Although prevention of these injuries may be more difficult than nontraumatic causes, prompt recognition and treatment is paramount. Common traumatic causes of collapse athlete generally involve the head, neck, and trunk and are more frequent in collision sports. Other higher risk sports include track and field, cheerleading, snow sports, and those involving motorized vehicles. Health care providers who participate in sports coverage should be aware of the potential for these injuries as emergency treatment is required to maximize outcomes. Emergency action plans allow providers to expediently activate emergency management services while providing treatment and stabilization.

Commotio Cordis at Athletes–Under Recognized Problem

“…Cases demonstrate no structural damage to myocardial tissue at autopsy and the victims are typically young and healthy. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most common arrhythmia, with early defibrillation improving survival rates [8]. The total survival rate from CC is approximately only 15%.…”