摘要：The aim of this review is to present a scientific background given by recent pathophysiological studies on sport-related mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), which pay attention to long-term consequences and cognitive deficits in cases of too early physical and cognitive exertion after injuring, especially in children and adolescents; to present recent understanding by which MBTI should have more conservative approach in judging of recovery period before return to play. MTBI includes a transient complex mechanism of neural function disturbances due to traumatic biomechanical forces. New pathophysiological and neurocognitive research indicates that MBTI are more serious that was estimated before. Pathophysiologicaly MBTI includes diffuse axonal injury in initial phase as a consequence of the rotational force, activation of the inflammatory cascade, swelling, ishaemia, oxygen free radicals effects, ion disturbances and programmed cell death in the secondary phase. Release of neurotransmitters contributes to the secondary phase. Therefore, MBTI require more conservative approach regarding the return to play decision. Physical and cognitive rest are imperative for the acute healing period. Children and adolescents with mild traumatic brain/head injuries require a longer recovery period than adults. In cases of to early return to play, new injury may lead to sustained consequences. Prevention is directed to use of protective equipment particularly in young athletes practising sports with greater head injury risk, to change of some playing rules, to unfair play discouraging as well to education.
