Epilepsy is a common clinical condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It affects approximately 1% of the general US population, with the highest incidence in infancy and childhood. Although previous recommendations precluded sports participation for persons with epilepsy, it is…
Trauma to the genitourinary (GU) tract is relatively uncommon because of the anatomic location of key internal GU organs, the kidneys and bladder. However, prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms associated with GU trauma will allow the clinician to…
Definition Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of glucose metabolism that affects millions of athletes of all types around the world. It is caused by either an absolute (type 1 diabetes) or relative (type 2 diabetes) deficiency in insulin, the principal…
Athletic activities and the competitive sports environment present the athlete with unique exposures and risks for infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are responsible for up to 50% of visits in high school and college training rooms. Infections in athletes pose a…
Athletic performance depends on proper functioning of the blood. From problems with the oxygen-carrying function of red blood cells to the prevention of bleeding by the hemostatic system, many hematologic issues can affect athletes adversely. These hematologic issues include both…
Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in athletes and active individuals are common and are seen frequently by sports medicine care providers. Although there are many well-defined benefits that result from high-level physical activity, exercise places significant stress on the GI tract, which…
Bleeding in the athlete can result from injury or after orthopedic surgery. Hemostasis—the body's process to stop bleeding—prevents what can be a life-threatening hemorrhage. Immobilization and hypercoagulable states can also induce clotting at improper sites (thrombosis). If the resultant clot…
Definition and Prevalence Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) describes acute, transient airway narrowing that occurs during and after exercise. EIB is characterized by symptoms of cough, wheezing, or chest tightness during or after exercise. Exercise is one of the most common triggers…
Historical Perspective The elite athlete has enjoyed a celebrated status within our culture since ancient times. The Olympic Games solidified that status as early as 776 BC, and it was amplified by Pheidippedes, who was a legendary Greek Olympic champion…
The roots of peak athletic performance are embedded in the optimal health of athletes. It is the responsibility of every member of the sports medicine team to provide consistent, thorough, evidence-based, and comprehensive care for each athlete. Team medical coverage…