Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head Trauma
Repetitive head trauma in sports, particularly concussions, has been strongly associated with neurocognitive impairments, including depression, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and altered brain function. These injuries can have significant consequences on major cognitive processes, such as l...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SAGE Publishing
2025-02-01
|
| Series: | Neuroscience Insights |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/26331055251316315 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1832542907826962432 |
|---|---|
| author | Sikandar Khan Lora Talley |
| author_facet | Sikandar Khan Lora Talley |
| author_sort | Sikandar Khan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Repetitive head trauma in sports, particularly concussions, has been strongly associated with neurocognitive impairments, including depression, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and altered brain function. These injuries can have significant consequences on major cognitive processes, such as learning and memory. This review synthesizes research that examines the effects of sports-related head trauma, particularly in football, on cognitive functioning. Post-mortem analyses of players across all positions have revealed neuropathological evidence of CTE, including a distinct reduction in hippocampal volume. Notably, episodic memory, a component of declarative memory, is frequently compromised in individuals with CTE. Furthermore, deficits in working memory may contribute to decreased performance during play. Early detection of head trauma and implementation of preventive strategies are crucial for mitigating long-term consequences. While impact-reducing techniques have shown some efficacy in decreasing brain injury incidence, proper tackling techniques, such as “heads-up play,” also play a vital role in minimizing risk. Further research and increased awareness are needed to ensure athletes are fully informed of the potential cognitive risks associated with participation in high-impact sports. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a2343c625ce64b209c0d090b2cce98cd |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2633-1055 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | SAGE Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Neuroscience Insights |
| spelling | doaj-art-a2343c625ce64b209c0d090b2cce98cd2025-02-03T14:03:20ZengSAGE PublishingNeuroscience Insights2633-10552025-02-012010.1177/26331055251316315Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head TraumaSikandar KhanLora TalleyRepetitive head trauma in sports, particularly concussions, has been strongly associated with neurocognitive impairments, including depression, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and altered brain function. These injuries can have significant consequences on major cognitive processes, such as learning and memory. This review synthesizes research that examines the effects of sports-related head trauma, particularly in football, on cognitive functioning. Post-mortem analyses of players across all positions have revealed neuropathological evidence of CTE, including a distinct reduction in hippocampal volume. Notably, episodic memory, a component of declarative memory, is frequently compromised in individuals with CTE. Furthermore, deficits in working memory may contribute to decreased performance during play. Early detection of head trauma and implementation of preventive strategies are crucial for mitigating long-term consequences. While impact-reducing techniques have shown some efficacy in decreasing brain injury incidence, proper tackling techniques, such as “heads-up play,” also play a vital role in minimizing risk. Further research and increased awareness are needed to ensure athletes are fully informed of the potential cognitive risks associated with participation in high-impact sports.https://doi.org/10.1177/26331055251316315 |
| spellingShingle | Sikandar Khan Lora Talley Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head Trauma Neuroscience Insights |
| title | Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head Trauma |
| title_full | Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head Trauma |
| title_fullStr | Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head Trauma |
| title_full_unstemmed | Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head Trauma |
| title_short | Beyond the Hit: The Hidden Costs of Repetitive Head Trauma |
| title_sort | beyond the hit the hidden costs of repetitive head trauma |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1177/26331055251316315 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT sikandarkhan beyondthehitthehiddencostsofrepetitiveheadtrauma AT loratalley beyondthehitthehiddencostsofrepetitiveheadtrauma |