Study Finds Traumatic Brain Injury is Prevalent in Soccer

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) April 17, 2017 – Researchers from the University College London and Britain’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery found that soccer may be another sport where players sustain traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its link to football began making headlines when former football players committed suicide. Autopsy results revealed that the players who committed suicide had TBI. Football is not the only sport where participants are at high risk for a TBI. Other sports include: hockey, lacrosse, boxing, baseball, skateboarding, skiing, horseback riding/racing, high impact sports, extreme sports and soccer.

In all of those sports, participants have the potential to sustain degenerative damage due to the number of repeated hits to the head. “This is even more likely in soccer where players ‘head’ balls during play,” says Austin traumatic brain injury lawyer, Brooks Schuelke. “There are a large number of head-to-head collisions, head-to-knee collisions, and head-to-field collisions on the soccer field as well, with the potential for repetitive concussions.”

The latest research findings come as a result of a study of 14 brains of former soccer players who developed dementia and had signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Of the 14 brains examined, four had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a possible consequence of repeated impact to the head. Although the study’s small size prevents researchers from drawing any definitive conclusions about the prevalence of traumatic brain injury for soccer players, it opens the door for further studies. It also demonstrates that soccer may be just as dangerous as other contact sports.

Traumatic brain injury is a very complex injury displaying a wide spectrum of symptoms and disabilities ranging from physical and cognitive problems to emotional difficulties. Its impact on a person and their family is often devastating.

“This news is reminiscent of the settlement thousands of former American football players and the NFL reached relating to players diagnosed with brain injuries from repeated concussions,” Schuelke added. In response to this study, the U.S. Soccer Federation suggested banning “heading” for players 10 years of age and under.

For sports enthusiasts that suspect they may have sustained a TBI, it is best to reach out and discuss the possibility with an experienced brain injury attorney. “These are complex cases and a potential plaintiff needs to know what is in store for them as they deal with not only their injury, but struggle to obtain compensation to continue their treatment,” Schuelke added.

For further information on understanding what a traumatic brain injury is and how it is treated, visit: http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/

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