Traumatic brain injury in sport

Abstract

Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a subset of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) occurring following an impulsive force transmitted to the brain during sporting activity. There is increased public recognition of the long-term consequences following SRC, particularly repetitive events. SRC remains a clinical diagnosis, although active research is ongoing in identifying objective tests to aid diagnosis and aid prognosis of persistent post-concussive symptoms. This editorial aims to summarise the state of the art of SRC assessment and management, reviewing literature evidence of contemporary pitchside and office clinical assessments, while highlighting return-to-play guidelines in several major sports. Additionally, ongoing research on objective biomarkers of SRC are highlighted, including fluid-based and imaging biomarkers.