Dementia & Neuropsychologia ()

Sport-related concussions

  • Jéssica Natuline Ianof,
  • Fabio Rios Freire,
  • Vanessa Tomé Gonçalves Calado,
  • Juliana Rhein Lacerda,
  • Fernanda Coelho,
  • Silvia Veitzman,
  • Magali Taino Schmidt,
  • Sergio Machado,
  • Bruna Velasques,
  • Pedro Ribeiro,
  • Luis Fernando Hindi Basile,
  • Wellingson Silva Paiva,
  • Robson Amorim,
  • Renato Anghinah

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-57642014DN81000003
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
pp. 14 – 19

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of lifelong disability and death worldwide. Sport-related traumatic brain injury is an important public health concern. The purpose of this review was to highlight the importance of sport-related concussions. Concussion refers to a transient alteration in consciousness induced by external biomechanical forces transmitted directly or indirectly to the brain. It is a common, although most likely underreported, condition. Contact sports such as American football, rugby, soccer, boxing, basketball and hockey are associated with a relatively high prevalence of concussion. Various factors may be associated with a greater risk of sport-related concussion, such as age, sex, sport played, level of sport played and equipment used. Physical complaints (headache, fatigue, dizziness), behavioral changes (depression, anxiety, irritability) and cognitive impairment are very common after a concussion. The risk of premature return to activities includes the prolongation of post-concussive symptoms and increased risk of concussion recurrence.

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