ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the media coverage of concussions in professional sports as well as the concussion rates amongst different professional sports, the different protocols and league policies governing concussion diagnosis and management, reality of concussion underreporting in professional athletes, and unique aspects of managing professional athletes with concussions. A professional athlete who suffers a concussion garners a great deal of media attention, which can prompt discussion and debate about concussive injury and management. Concussions have seemingly been on the rise in professional sports, a fact which is likely in large part due to increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of the injury. Despite the inherent challenges in providing global accounts of concussions in professional sports, researchers have been able to estimate concussion rates for different professional sports in specific countries. A common problem in diagnosing and treating concussions in athletes of all levels, including professional athletes, is underreporting and nondisclosure of concussion symptoms to the appropriate medical personnel.
