Is commotio cordis preventable?
Videos
May 11, 2017
Click play to watch the video or read the video transcript.
Dr. Jeffrey Rayborn talks about some ways to protect against commotio cordis.
Is commotio cordis preventable?
Commotio cordis has no underlying factors that predispose someone from having it. So, in general, no it's not preventable. This typically happens during sporting activity from a ball, or sometimes a fist. Or in mixed martial arts, could be a kick to the chest. There is some evidence that chest protection may help. That's somewhat controversial. There's evidence suggesting that softer baseballs and softballs, with a softer core for youth sports, may help prevent this. But in general, it's not a preventable occurrence. However, there are steps that can be taken to help decrease the risk of the athlete, or person, dying as a result of the trauma.