Citation

Degen RM, Fink ME, Callahan L, Fibel KH, Ramsay J, Kelly BT. Phys. Sportsmed. 2016; 44(3): 324-326.

Affiliation

a Hospital for Special Surgery, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service , 535 East 70th Street, New York , NY 10021.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00913847.2016.1177475

PMID

27074595

Abstract

Head injuries are relatively common in ice hockey, with the majority represented by concussions, a form of mild traumatic brain injury. More severe head injuries are rare since the implementation of mandatory helmet use in the 1960's. We present a case of a 27 year-old male who sustained a traumatic intraparenchymal hemorrhage with an associated subdural hematoma resulting after being struck by a puck shot at high velocity. The patient presented with expressive aphasia, with no other apparent neurologic deficits. Acutely, he was successfully treated with observation and serial neuroimaging studies ensuring an absence of hematoma expansion. After a stable clinical picture following 24 hours of observation, the patient was discharged and managed with outpatient speech therapy with full resolution of symptoms and return to play 3 months later. We will outline the patient presentation and pertinent points in the management of acute head injuries in athletes.

Language: en