PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M D Pleacher
AU  - W W Dexter
TI  - Concussion management by primary care providers
AID  - 10.1136/bjsm.2005.019067
DP  - 2006 Jan 01
TA  - British Journal of Sports Medicine
PG  - e2--e2
VI  - 40
IP  - 1
4099  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/40/1/e2.short
4100  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/40/1/e2.full
SO  - Br J Sports Med2006 Jan 01; 40
AB  - Objective: To assess current concussion management practices of primary care providers. Methods: An 11 item questionnaire was mailed to primary care providers in the state of Maine, with serial mailings to non-respondents. Results: Over 50% of the questionnaires were completed, with nearly 70% of primary care providers indicating that they routinely use published guidelines as a tool in managing patients with concussion. Nearly two thirds of providers were aware that neuropsychological tests could be used, but only 16% had access to such tests within a week of injury. Conclusions: Primary care providers are using published concussion management guidelines with high frequency, but many are unable to access neuropsychological testing when it is required.