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Athletes are harmed by any blows to the head

20.01.2018

Researchers from several American laboratories in experiments on mice have shown that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is provoked not only by strong blows to the head, causing a concussion, but also by other traumatic effects. The main risk factor is the frequency of injury: if the head is hit regularly, the likelihood of CTE increases regardless of the strength of the blows. These results explain why helmets and other head protection measures in athletes are often ineffective in preventing chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

The experiments were carried out on mice. Animals were subjected either to a shock wave or to a blow to the head with a blunt object. After that, we recorded what changes occurred in the behavior of mice and whether it is possible to say that specific rodents have a concussion (it is detected by a number of behavioral signs). A similar effect was repeated several times, that is, if at first the mouse was "beaten" with a shock wave, then in subsequent experiments the same method was used. Changes in the state of the nervous tissue of rodents were studied on sections passing through various parts of their brain.

Signs of concussion were observed only in those rodents that were subjected to mechanical blows to the head. At the same time, chronic traumatic encephalopathy developed in those who were exposed to the shock wave, and in those who were beaten on the head in the "usual" way. This means that in some cases CTE does not manifest itself in any way, and its development is not necessarily associated with concussion. Thus, many athletes who have never been diagnosed with a concussion may be affected by chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Those at risk are primarily those who are most often hit on the head - boxers, as well as rugby and American football players.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is an organic brain lesion caused by head trauma. With it, attention, memory are disturbed, and mood often also suffers. In CTE, nerve cells often accumulate amyloid proteins that cause Alzheimer's disease. In any case, this pathology causes trouble for the patient: at the level of behavior, it often manifests itself as depression and suicidal thoughts, memory impairment, etc. is observed.

The researchers hope their findings will lead the relevant sports federations to reconsider the eligibility requirements for athletes who have had head injuries to play or practice, and this will help reduce the prevalence of CTE.

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