CONCUSSION AMONG SWEDISH ELITE ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS

Objective-To evaluate the frequency of concussion in Swedish ice hocke y and to establish a uniform grading and treatment model for concussio ns of different severity. Methods-Frequency of concussion was investig ated in two studies, one retrospective and one prospective. In the ret rospective study, all Swedish elite ice hockey players (n=265) were as ked to answer a questionnaire on the number and treatment of previous concussions. Only concussions diagnosed by a doctor were recorded. The questionnaire was completed by 227 players (86%). In the prospective study, all injuries including concussions occurring during game and pr actice in the Swedish Elite League (n=12 teams) were recorded during f our years. The causes of injury, referees judgements, diagnosis, treat ment, and time absent from ice hockey were registered on special cards . Results-In the retrospective study, 51 out of 227 players (22%) in t he Swedish Elite League reported at least one concussion. In the prosp ective study, 52 concussions were reported. The incidence of a concuss ion is at least one concussion every year/team or a yearly risk of abo ut 5% for a player to sustain a concussion. Most concussions occurred during league play (81%). Body contact (checking or boarding) was the most common cause of concussions. The players were absent from full tr aining and play on a mean of 6 d. Conclusions-As this injury is potent ially dangerous it must be treated seriously according to a simple tre atment model presented. In cases of repeated concussions during the sa me season, a longer period of time away from play is suggested. In pla yers who have sustained several concussions over the years a thorough medical examination including EEG, CT/MRI, MRI, and neuropsychological tests should be performed. If any of these is pathological the player should be advised to give up ice hockey.