Authors: Anne-Marie Constantin1, Carmen Mihu1,2, Maria Crişan1, Alina Șovrea1, Sergiu Şuşman1, Bianca Boșca1, Carmen Melincovici1,3, Mariana Mărginean1,4, Ioana Moldovan1,5, Andrei Coneac1, Mihaela Jianu1
Affiliation: 1Department of Morphological Sciences, “Iuliu-Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
2Radiology Clinic, Cluj County hospital
3Department of Radiology, Neurology Clinic, Cluj County hospital
4Department of Laboratory Medicine, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Cluj County hospital
5Neurosurgery Clinic, Cluj County hospital
Abstract
Sport-related concussion is a complex brain injury, manifesting through a very large variety of brain dysfunction signs and symptoms (physical and cognitive deficit, abnormal behavior). The symptoms are transient, most often without loss of consciousness and evidence of injury typically absent on standard neuroimaging methods. Some sports and individual playing styles have a greater risk of concussion. The initial assessment of a concussion should include combined visual and postural tests and the clinical follow-up must evaluate the long-term effects (deterioration of the physical or mental status). A rigorous education of coaches and athletes and implementation of certain training strategies can reduce the incidence of sport-related concussion. More studies regarding injury mechanisms will bring valuable information for safety equipment manufacturers and for designing safer competitions.
Keywords: sport-related concussion, signs, symptoms, assessment, neurodegenerative effects.