Can Boxing Cause Brain Damage?
While Many of the Superficial Wounds and Bone Fractures Can Completely Heal, Brain Damage Secondary to Boxing Has Also Been Well Documented and Can Often Have...
While many of the superficial wounds and bone fractures can completely heal, brain damage secondary to boxing has also been well documented and can often have detrimental long-term health effects. Boxers are at risk for sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a consequence of repeated blows to the head.
How damaging is boxing to the brain?
The study found high CSF levels of neuronal and glial markers suggestive of brain damage after a fight. A particular marker for neuronal damage, neurofilament light (NFL), was four times higher in boxers within 10 days of the fight as compared with healthy non-athletes.
What percentage of boxers get brain damage?
Chronic traumatic brain injury (CTBI) associated with boxing occurs in approximately 20% of professional boxers. Risk factors associated with CTBI include increased exposure (i.e., duration of career, age of retirement, total number of bouts), poor performance, increased sparring, and apolipoprotein (APOE) genotype.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
