Are there permanent or long-term sequelae of mild head injuries?
Although most athletes who sustain a mild head injury recover without major sequelae, an unknown number continue to exhibit cognitive dysfunction in memory, attention, and information processing for days, weeks, months, and even years after the event. There is also evidence that these “mild” head injuries lead to permanent deficits. In boxers who have numerous bouts or who have suffered repeated concussions, there is evidence of structural damage, atrophy, and chronic encephalopathy.[18-20], [21] It is estimated that over 90% of professional boxers have sustained a brain injury.[22, 23] Some boxers will develop early onset dementia similar to Alzheimer’s disease; a condition known as “punch drunk syndrome” or dementia pugilistica.[24-27] Even when appropriate time is allowed for the brain to heal, repetitive concussions can result in long-term cognitive deficits. [28-30] Studies of football and boxing athletes who have suffered multiple concussions demonstrate a significant decrease in
