Return to Play Considerations Following Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of subarachnoid hemorrhage are well documented in the literature but there is limited research published on returning safely to contact sport following hemorrhagic stroke. A search of PubMed database was completed and of the identified articles none outlined return to sport, especially contact sport considerations. The following case outlines return to contact sport considerations following a subarachnoid hemorrhage in an elite, junior ice hockey player. A 17-year-old male was diagnosed with a left middle cerebral artery aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Following endovascular coil obliteration, the patient completed 3 months of relative rest and non-contact conditioning during which coil stability, neurological status and symptoms were monitored. The patient gradually returned to junior then pro-level hockey with no future aneurysmal complications (8 years post event) or subsequent instances of traumatic brain injury (concussion). This case showed an uneventful return to elite level contact sport following 3 months of rest and could guide future cases.

Cite this article as: David M, Rindlisbacher T. Return to play considerations following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case report. Turk J Sports Med. 2020;55(1):52-5.