Becker's Orthopedic Review, "Dr. James Gilbert on contusions, concussions: 7 key notes"
After Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry took a dive on his head during Game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals, he returned to play after being diagnosed with a head contusion.
Sportingnews.com spoke with James Gilbert, MD, of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics about head contusions and concussions, as well as return to play after suffering a head injury.
Here are seven key notes, according to Dr. Gilbert as reported by Sportingnews.com:
- A contusion is a soft tissue injury that does not affect the brain.
- It can be difficult to treat concussions because some innocuous hits can lead to severe concussions. In the case of Mr. Curry, a concussion would leave him out of play for at least seven days.
- A sideline concussion assessment test is a good indicator if a player can return to competition.
- Cognitive and physical challenges can trigger symptoms in cases of delayed onset concussions.
- If a player shows red flags, which could be either physical, cognitive, emotional or sleep-related, the S.C.A.T test can be administered again and rest the athlete for a few days.
- Research shows that contusions turning into delayed concussions are more common in children, but it still happens in adults "more than we recognize," and still a point of research.
- A contusion should subside within 24 hours, and can be treated with ice, some anti-inflammatories and physical therapy.