Traumatic brain injuries in sport: A systematic review

Abstract

Head injuries are a frequent occurrence in various sports activities. Collision and contact sports carry the highest incidence risk of these types of injuries. Within head injuries pathology, traumatic brain injuries are considered the most dangerous, primarily because of the threat to vital centers. Precise, quick diagnosis, adequate therapy, as well as removing the athlete from the field until the symptoms subside can reduce the intensity of neurodegenerative disorders accompanied by short-term or long-term neurological, vegetative, cognitive and motor deficits. This study analyses the trends of proposed measures that need to be taken in sports primarily in terms of prevention and diagnostics, in order to prevent and mitigate the consequences of head injuries, especially in younger categories of athletes. Changing the rules of the game, controlled and limited heading in football, as well as mandatory wearing of protective equipment in all potentially risk sport activities are some of the proposed measures in reviewed researches.