Concussions in athletics: guidelines for return to sport.

Physicians are required to make determinations that affect the health and well-being of their patients on a daily basis. None of these judgements may have as profound an impact as the decisions rendered for athletes who have suffered a concussion. Concussions occur with regularity in sports and vary in severity and appropriate management. Guidelines should be followed and used as a tool to allow safe return to competitive endeavors in the athletic arena. Following guidelines will decrease the likelihood of worsening the condition with potentially fatal consequences.