Moderators: Michael Reed, DPT, OCS; Stanley Herring, MD
Head and neck injuries represent significant challenges in sporting activities. While sprains and strains without neurological sequelae are common, athletes are always at risk for more serious complications related to concussions, subdural hematomas, fractures, dislocations, disc compromise, cord compression, root tension, and other associated trauma. Far too often, severe anatomical compromise escapes early diagnosis, which can lead to catastrophic delays in care and avoidable long-term impairment. Understanding and recognizing potential worse case scenarios, regardless of how benign an injury may appear, can prevent unnecessary disability and suffering. The purpose of this symposium is to convene a group of highly experienced and respected spine specialists to review the epidemiology and etiology of sport-related head and neck injuries and the plethora of problems that can, and should, be identified as quickly as possible to prevent delays in the most appropriate and effective management.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Appreciate the epidemiology and etiology of sport-related head and neck injuries;
- Identify predisposing factors that increase an athlete’s risk for sustaining a head and neck injury;
- Identify the most important symptoms and signs of potentially severe anatomical compromise on the field after a sport-related head and neck injury;
- Identify the most important symptoms and signs of potentially severe anatomical compromise in the acute to chronic phases of a sport-related head and neck injury;
- Utilize a diagnostic methodology that balances being exhaustively comprehensive with cost-effectiveness.
Agenda
- Introduction
Michael Reed, DPT, OCS
- On-field Management of Head and Neck Injuries: Making the Correct Call
Charles A. Reitman, MD
- Hospital-based Management of Neck Injuries: Making the Correct Call
Paul A. Anderson, MD
- Sports-related Concussion Management: Where Are We in 2015?
Stanley A. Herring, MD