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Concussion: Seek Additional Testing If Symptoms Don't Clear

Dr. Robert Cantu recommends parents seek additional testing and evaluation if their child's post-concussion signs and symptoms do not clear within a week to 10 days or increase in number or severity.

Neuropsychological Testing Helpful in Concussion Management

Computerized baseline pre-injury and post-injury neuropsychological testing can be an important part of concussion management, says Dr. Robert Cantu, particularly in terms of identifying cognitive impairment, but  isn't foolproof, does not allow a "red light/green light" decision on return to play, and is only one piece of the assessment puzzle.

Recognizing Concussion Signs and Symptoms: Advice for Parents

Dr. Robert Cantu says it is extremely important that parents and athletes recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion.  Not only do athletes need to self-report symptoms, says Dr. Cantu, but they should let the coaching and medical staff know if a teammate is experiencing symptoms.  It just might save his life.

Higher Concussion Risk for Girls Puzzles Experts

The findings in a recent study in the Journal of Athletic Training that female athletes are more prone to concussions than male athletes and take longer to recover are hard to explain, says Dr. Robert Cantu, but may due to several factors.

Both Physical and Cognitive Rest After Concussion Are Important, Says Dr. Robert Cantu

Both physical and cognitive rest are important afer a child suffers a concussion playing sports in order to allow the brain to heal, says Dr. Robert Cantu.

"Stepwise" Return to Play Recommended For Athletes with Concussions

If an athlete has been sidelined by a concussion for several weeks or longer, Dr. Robert Cantu recommends that he follow a "stepwise" approach to return to play.

Concussions: Monitor Child in First 24-48 Hours

Regular post-concussion monitoring is essential in the first 24 to 48 hours after injury to check for signs of deteriorating mental status that may indicate a more serious injury, says Dr. Robert Cantu.

No Athlete Should Be Allowed To Return to Play While Experiencing Concussion Symptoms

Dr. Cantu says that no one should return to play after a concussion while still experiencing symptoms.

No Same Day Return To Play After Concussion For Athletes Under 18

Because of the risk to youth and high school athletes of suffering a second potentially fatal brain injury before the brain has healed from the initial injury - a condition called second impact syndrome - Dr. Cantu advises against allowing such athletes to return to play in the same game or practice after experiencing post-concussion signs or symptoms.

Concussions: When To See Specialist

Only where an athlete continues to experience post-concussion signs or symptoms for more than a week is consultation with a concussion specialist recommended, says Dr. Robert Cantu.
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