Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
- PMID:30658408
- PMCID: PMC6352039
- DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020254
Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was first discovered in professional boxers after they exhibited memory impairments, mood and behavioral changes after years of boxing. However, there is now a growing acceptance that CTE can develop in athletes of other sports due to the repetitive head trauma they receive. We present a case of a middle-aged male who presented with worsening memory, poor concentration, and behavioral changes for a year. On further cognitive testing, it was revealed that he had difficulties with short-term memory and processing speed as well as difficulties in organizing and multitasking. He had been practicing mixed martial arts (MMA) for 10 years, and later was an instructor of the sport. Through a detailed examination of his history, it was discovered that he sustained recurrent minor head concussions due to his line of work. To date, there has been limited large-scale research on head trauma in MMA. There is thus an urgent need for more studies in this area as CTE can be a chronic and debilitating illness with incapacitating neuropsychiatric sequelae. This case highlights the importance of public awareness of the risks of MMA and the dangers it poses to the brain, especially with more young people being attracted to this sport.
Keywords: chronic traumatic encephalopathy; mixed martial arts; neuropsychiatric sequelae.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Comment in
- No Established Link between Repeated Transient Chokes and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Related Effects. Comment on Lim, L.J.H. et al. Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019,16, 254.Stellpflug SJ.Stellpflug SJ.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Mar 23;16(6):1059. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16061059.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019.PMID:30909612Free PMC article.
References
- Martland H.S. Punch drunk. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 1928;91:1103–1107. doi: 10.1001/jama.1928.02700150029009. - DOI
- Millspaugh J.A. Dementia pugilistica. US Naval Med. Bull. 1937;35:297–303.
Publication types
MeSH terms
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical