As the literature on concussions grows exponentially, the annual “Concussion Update” session at the ACEP annual meeting becomes more and more relevant to emergency physicians.

Led by Andrew D. Perron, MD, FACEP, professor and residency program director in the department of emergency medicine at Maine Medical Center in Portland, the session will cover a range of concussion-related topics, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, brain remodeling, return-to-play guidelines and the connection of concussion to other diseases.

Many of these areas are only beginning to be understood, Dr. Perron said. He wants to caution attendees who may be looking for definitive answers for concussion diagnosis and treatment. “There is more unknown about concussion than known,” he said. “This frustrates some people.”

The evolving definition of concussion also will be part of Dr. Perron’s session. “Concussion is now defined as a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain and induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. The process can last from hours to weeks,” he said. This changes how concussion is potentially managed.

As players in various sports and coaches become more aware of concussions, there also appears to be an increase in the number of diagnoses, Dr. Perron said. That will also be discussed during the session.

“Concussion Update 2017” also will cover modern concussion treatment, as well as concussion and the law.

Andrew D. Perron, MD, FACEP

Concussion Update 2017: What We Know, What We Think We Know, and What We Don’t Know
Monday, Oct. 30
8:00-8:25 a.m.
WCC, Ballroom B