Long-Term Effects of Repeated Concussions in Contact Sports

Introduction:

Are you one of the 1.6-3.8 million people who experience a concussion each year. Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These injuries are especially common in contact sports, and while a single concussion can be serious research shows that repeated concussions have the potential to cause long-term neurological, functional, and cognitive impairments.

  

Evidence Based Points: 

1. Repeated mTBIs change how the brain communicates.

• Increased thalamocortical connectivity as well as reduced global network efficiency months after injury.

2. Athletes with 3 or more concussions often reported greater symptoms.

• Difficulty with memory, attention, trouble concentrating, and recalling information.

3. Repeated mTBIs affect balance and reaction time.

• Slower reaction times to visual and auditory stimuli as well as increased AP postural sway.

Practical Applications:

• Teaching Proper Techniques Based on Sport: Players and coaches should all be taught proper sport-specific techniques to reduce the risk of concussions.

• Early Detection and Proper Management: Trainers, and coaches should be trained to recognize early signs of a concussion to reduce the risk for potential long-term brain injury.

• Enforce Stricter Return to Play Guidelines: Strict guidelines can help prevent a repeat concussion after the previous one has fully healed, which can lead to long-term brain damage.

For more information: 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/concussion

About the Author: 

Aidan Whitley is a senior at Westfield State University studying Movement Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. Following graduation he plans to pursue a career in nursing with hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. He can be contacted at acwhitley04@gmail.com. 

References:

Glaser, J., Jaeckle, S., Beblo, T., Mueller, G., Eidenmueller, A. M., Schulz, P., Schmehl, I., Rogge, W.,Hollander, K., Toepper, M., & Gonschorek, A. S. (2024). The effect of repeated concussions on clinical and neurocognitive symptom severity in different contact sports. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 34(4), e14626. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14626

Danna-Dos-Santos, A., Mohapatra, S., Santos, M., & Degani, A. M. (2018). Long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injuries to oculomotor tracking performances and reaction times to simple environmental stimuli. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 4583. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-22825-5

Woodrow, R. E., Menon, D. K., Stamatakis, E. A., & CENTER-TBI MRI Sub-study Participants and Investigators (2024). Repeat traumatic brain injury exacerbates acute thalamic hyperconnectivity in humans. Brain communications, 6(4), fcae223. https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae223

Sosnoff, J. J., Broglio, S. P., Shin, S., & Ferrara, M. S. (2011). Previous mild traumatic brain injury and postural-control dynamics. Journal of athletic training, 46(1), 85–91. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-46.1.85