Recovery from Sports-Related Concussion Slower than Believed

http://sahlgrenska.gu.se/english/news_and_events/news/News_Detail/-recovery-from-sports-related-concussion-slower-than-believed.cid1221039

MAY 21, 2014
University of Gothenburg

Scientists at the Sahlgrenska Academy have shown that analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid after concussion can be used to determine the magnitude of brain injury and to follow its course. The studies show that recovery from concussion takes much longer time than previously known, and this may be of major significance for athletes of all ages in return to play considerations.

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“It has previously been believed that concussion heals in 7-10 days, and the Swedish Boxing Federation has decided the rest period to be of one month after a concussion, in order to be on the safe side. But our studies show that a concussion, such as may be experienced after being knocked out, can take more than four months to heal,” says Sanna Neselius, who is herself a former boxer.

Further, the results show that repetitive head trauma in boxing, damages nerve cells in the brain, even though the boxer may not show any concussion symptoms.

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Sanna Neselius points out that the brains of children and adolescents are more sensitive and require longer time to heal.

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