When to Refer to a Specialist

The doctor should be prepared to refer a patient for a specialist opinion when symptoms are prolonged or not improving. With increased experience in managing patients with concussion, the referral threshold also be adjusted.
Naturally if the parents of an injured player or an individual requests referral they should be referred to an appropriate neurologist, neurosurgeon or neuropsychologist for further assessment.
In the patient who has suffered multiple concussive episodes, assistance may be required to decide whether they can safely return to an appropriate level of play or whether they should retire from the type of sport which caused the injuries.

• Prolonged symptoms
• Severe symptoms that are not improving
• Your own individual comfort factor
• Patient with multiple concussions
  • Decisions on retirement?
  • No “magic number”
• Parental request