Addressing Concussion Diagnosis with concurrent Injuries 🏥⚽
Concussions present a unique challenge in sports medicine, especially when they occur alongside more visible injuries, such as facial fractures or soft tissue damage. A recent example involves PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who suffered a laceration to his face during a match against Monaco. While his immediate injuries required attention, the potential for a concurrent concussion raises the question: How can we ensure concussions are properly diagnosed in such scenarios? 🤕
(Disclaimer: This case have just been taken as example, to illustrate hidden concurrent concussion without knowing if Gianluigi Donnarumma had sustained a concussion).
Concussion Diagnosis: The Complexity of Coexisting Injuries 🧠💥
When athletes experience significant trauma, the priority is often to address the most apparent injuries, such as fractures or spinal issues. However, concussions—though sometimes less obvious—can pose serious long-term risks if overlooked. A study by Keenan et al. on cycling injuries found that while facial fractures were associated with a higher risk of intracranial injury, no direct correlation was found between facial fractures and concussions alone, highlighting the challenge of identifying concussions in the presence of other injuries.
The Role of Education and Data in Concussion Management 📊🎓
In Qatar, a research group I was part of tracked professional football injuries over eight seasons (2013-2021). The launch of the Aspetar Concussion Program in 2017 helped raise awareness among medical staff, leading to a rise in concussion reporting. Concussion incidents increased from 31.7% to 43.5% of head and neck injuries over the course of the program, indicating improved detection and reporting. 📈
Despite these advancements, concussions remain underreported, as athletes may hesitate to disclose symptoms fearing removal from play. A study by Gouttebarge et al. found that while 95% of physicians support concussion education, only 39% of clubs actually provide it, pointing to a gap in awareness. 🧑⚕️
Conclusion: The Need for Improved Concussion Protocols 📝✅
To improve concussion management, it is essential to maintain consistent data collection, increase educational efforts for medical staff and players, and ensure that concussions are identified even when other injuries are present. Enhanced awareness and reporting will help protect athletes from the long-term risks of undiagnosed concussions. ⚖️
How does your organization address concussion diagnosis in the presence of other injuries? For more information, read our full article [here](https://andreasphysioblog.com/?page_id=58).
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Andreas Bjerregaard
Certified Clinician in Sports physiotherapy
IOC Diploma in Sports Physical Therapy
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