Sports-related concussion in young athletes is a major issue
in sports medicine. Although it attracts a lot of media attention,
at the same time it suffers from insufficient spread of the
knowledge regarding its identification and the adequate protocols
to be implemented in the return to sport sequence.
Underreporting and trivialization of potential concussions is
too frequent, although it can have serious consequences,
ranging from an increase in repeat concussion or second impact
syndrome, to academic difficulties and persistence of
cognitive or physical symptoms. This paper presents the issues
in concussion evaluation, the tools available and the
principles of management in order to prevent complications
and optimize return to school and sport. The typical concussion
will generally resolve in 7 to 10 days when adequate
protocols are implemented. In order for this to be achievable,
the collaboration of actors from the sporting, familial, academic
and medical fields is necessary. Only the timely identification
of the problem and implementation of coordinated
interventions will allow the typical favourable outcome to
become a reality