Best Practice Case Studies-Neurosurgical Emergencies

Pdf Summary

The article "Neurosurgical Emergencies in Sport" by Brian Sindelar and Julian E. Bailes explores the critical nature of managing acute neurosurgical emergencies in athletic contexts. Over the past 20 years, approximately four annual fatalities have been reported in football, mainly at the high school level, due to intracranial injuries. Despite the seemingly low mortality rate, the lack of a central reporting system and focus on high school and collegiate football deaths mean actual instances and severity, especially in other sports, might be understated.<br /><br />The authors highlight the importance of timely medical and possibly surgical responses to severe brain and spinal cord injuries to mitigate secondary injuries. They emphasize the necessity for medical professionals involved with athletes to be trained in managing acute neurosurgical emergencies and to adhere to standardized, guideline-driven protocols. Such protocols should involve coordination between athletic trainers, team physicians, and critical care specialists to prevent mortality and reduce the extent of neurogenic injury.<br /><br />The text reviews initial field evaluation and emergency department presentation, detailing clinical signs of neurosurgical emergencies like cerebral contusions, various types of hematomas (epidural and subdural), diffuse axonal injury, and second impact syndrome, all of which are critical in sports contexts.<br /><br />Furthermore, it stresses the need for a solid Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in athletics, routinely practiced across all levels of competition. The plan must assign roles and manage high-stress emergency scenarios efficiently to avoid delays in treatment, thereby reducing long-term neurologic deficits and mortality.<br /><br />Lastly, the article addresses cranial and spinal imaging protocols to guide intervention decisions and emphasizes the coordination needed during the secondary assessment of athletes to determine the need for surgical intervention. The paper serves as a foundational guide, suggesting further reading for a comprehensive understanding and management of neurosurgical emergencies in sports.

Meta Tag

Edition 2nd Edition

Related Case 2nd Edition, CASE 38

Topic Neurology

Keywords

2nd Edition, CASE 38

2nd Edition

Neurology

neurosurgical emergencies

sports injuries

intracranial injuries

emergency action plan

athletic contexts

brain and spinal injuries

medical protocols

cerebral contusions

hematomas

secondary assessment