Citation

McCrory P. Clin. J. Sport. Med. 2011; 21(1): 6-12.

Affiliation

From the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JSM.0b013e318204db50

PMID

21200164

Abstract

Intense recent media focus on long-term outcomes from sports concussion has highlighted concerns on both cognitive deterioration and mental health issues, such as depression and suicide. At this time, the scientific evidence to support these views is limited, with only a handful of cases thus far reported. Based on the literature on this topic that extends back over 50 years, it is clear that only a small percentage of athletes suffer such sequelae presumably due to recurrent concussive or subconcussive head impacts. At this stage, determining which athletes are at future risk is not possible; however, following existing concussion guidelines (eg, Zurich guidelines) is likely to be the safest option based on current evidence.

Language: en