In recent years, there has been a higher prevalence of brain injuries in sports, especially in high-contact activities like football, hockey, boxing, and soccer. The common signs of traumatic brain injury (TBI) can vary widely, but should not be overlooked due to their seriousness. Many people often underestimate the long-term consequences of concussions and TBI, but they are often linked to chronic conditions, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, dementia, and severe mental health disorders. By understanding the long-term issues associated with these injuries in sports, you can start to better protect yourself while playing and also take steps to stop injury in the first place.
Table of Contents
Understanding Sports-Related Brain Injuries
Understanding how brain injuries from sports can affect you in the long-term starts with understanding what these types of injuries actually are and what they entail. In a massive collision with another person, a fist, the ground, or anything else that may happen during a match or game, the brain moves around inside the skull. This can lead to bruising, tearing of nerve fibers, and even chemical changes. There are a variety of types of sports-related brain injuries that can stem from the above, but concussions, subconcussive hits, and severe TBIs causing prolonged unconsciousness, skull fractures, and significant cognitive impairment are all possible. The common symptoms of a brain injury include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Personality changes
- Memory loss
- Mood disorders
- Cognitive decline
If you notice any of the above after you have had a collision involving your head, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor as soon as possible for assistance.
Cognitive Effects of Repeated Brain Trauma
There are a variety of issues that can arise due to repeated brain trauma. While even a single traumatic event to the brain can cause long-lasting damage if bad enough, repeated effects can lead to memory impairment and learning difficulties, trouble with short and long-term memory, slower information processing, reduced problem-solving skills, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases can include chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is progressive brain degeneration from repeated head trauma (often seen in NFL players and boxers), or early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Regardless of the developed condition, struggles with focus, reasoning, and adaptability in daily life and work are the primary issues seen.
Emotional and Psychological Consequences
Many people overlook the fact that the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries due to sports go beyond the physcial. Depression and anxiety are rampant among athletes who have multiple concussions, with mood swings and aggression also coming into play. Increased anger, irritability, and outbursts of aggression due to damage to the brain’s emotional regulation centers can all result in impulse control issues and risky behavior.
Some former athletes display reckless behavior problems, substance abuse issues, and poor financial decisions as a result. Suicide and mental health issues are all too prominent. There have been countless studies performed on both pro football players and boxers, which show a link between brain injuries and suicidal tendencies.
Physical Health Risks After Repeated Concussions
Pivoting back to the physical consequences of traumatic brain injuries, though, there are also a myriad of issues that may be experienced. Chronic headaches and migraines are issues many former athletes experience for years after retiring, and they can get to the point where they become quite debilitating. There can also be balance and coordination issues that arise, with long-term damage to the cerebellum causing difficulty walking or standing properly.
Many former athletes also report sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue, with insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and general overall fatigue being linked to disrupted brain function. An increased sensitivity to light and noise is also often pointed out, with persistent post-concussion syndrome symptoms affecting many former athletes’ daily lives.
The Role of Youth and College Sports in Brain Injury Risks
Unfortunately, young athletes are particularly vulnerable to brain injury risks as developing brains are more susceptible to long-term damage. Poor concussion management in school sports, specifically at the high-school level, can lead to major risks in the long run that can even exceed the risks to professional athletes at times. In addition to having a natural higher risk of long-term issues, it also takes younger athletes a longer time to recover from concussions. Those who are playing at this level, or the collegiate level as well, often underreport their own symptoms out of fear of losing their scholarships or playing time. This is why all coaches need to encourage safe techniques and strict concussion protocols to reduce risk.
Preventative Measures & Future Solutions
The best way to prevent traumatic brain injuries in professional and amateur sports is to adjust the rules to reduce the risk. The NFL, for example, can start enforcing targeting penalties more, whereas the MLS and NHL can implement limitations on headers or fighting restrictions, respectively. Beyond these rule changes, implementing new technology like smart helmets that have impact sensors and better cushioning can also help.
All athletes should also be tested during the preseason on a cognitive level to track how head injuries during the season are impacting their thinking skills. This will allow for better recovery protocols and return-to-play policies. All coaches need to be sure that their athletes have recovered fully before allowing them to return to action.
Protect the long-term future of all athletes
There are a myriad of serious long-term consequences associated with repeated brain injuries in sports. Due to this, all athletes, parents, coaches, and sports organizations need to take head trauma seriously when it occurs. Don’t overlook the importance of proper medical care and education on safety measures that can protect the brain. If you have suffered a head injury as a result of your sport, you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible to ensure there is a low likelihood of long-term damage rather than continuing to play right away. This will help to protect the next future generation of athletes so that they can play for as long as their heart desires, rather than as long as their head will allow.
