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According to The Wall Street Journal - Health & Wellness, the American Academy of Neurology, representing more than 25 thousand neurologists and neuroscience professionals,  published on March 18, 2013, new guidelines for athletes after concussions.  These guidelines replace the group's fifteen-year-old system of grading concussion scales from 1 to 3 and are in line with the laws in 43 states.  "Neurologists' new guidelines emphasize the need for the individual assessment of suspected concussions."

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In the United States, approximately 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries (many sports-related) happen each year; many go unreported or are untreated according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Florida Brain Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. says, "The Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms of concussions:

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head.
• Temporary loss of consciousness.
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog.
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event.
• Dizziness or "seeing stars".
• Ringing in the ears.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Slurred speech.
• Fatigue

Some symptoms of concussions may be immediate or delayed in onset by hours or days after the injury:

• Concentration and memory complaints.
• Irritability and other personality changes.
• Sensitivity to light and noise.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Psychological adjustment problems and depression.
• Disorders of taste and smell."

In their coverage of the new guidelines, CBS News - March 18, 2013, said researchers say the greatest risks of concussion are among boys playing football and rugby, then hockey and soccer.  Girls and young women are more likely to receive concussions from soccer and basketball.

Dr. Christopher C. Giza, a neurologist at the David Geffen School of Medicine and Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLS, said in a press release, "Among the most important recommendations the Academy is making is that any athlete suspected of experiencing a concussion immediately be removed from play.  There is no set timeline for safe return to play."

Attorney Spivey agrees with Dr. Jeffrey S. Kutcher, associate professor of neurology with the University of Michigan Medical School when he said in a news release:  "If in doubt, sit it out."  If headaches or other symptoms return with the start of exercise, stop the activity, and consult a doctor."

Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,500 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.