Evaluation and management of concussion in athletes: recommendations from the AAN.

Concussion is a clinical syndrome of biomechanically induced altered brain function that typically affects memory and orientation, and may involve loss of consciousness. An estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur each year in the United States. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) studied the incidence of concussion in high school and college athletes to address the following clinical questions: • Which factors increase or decrease the risk of concussion in athletes? • Which diagnostic tools are useful in identifying athletes with a concussion, and for identifying those at risk of severe or prolonged early impairment, catastrophic neurologic outcomes, or chronic neurobehavioral impairment after a concussion? • Which clinical factors are useful in identifying athletes who are at risk of severe or prolonged early impairment, catastrophic neurologic outcomes, or chronic neurobehavioral impairment after a concussion? • Which interventions enhance recovery and diminish long-term sequelae after a concussion, and reduce the risk of recurrent concussion?