Head trauma is a common injury in combat sports, and it can have serious consequences. Repeated head trauma can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that can cause a variety of problems, including memory loss, mood swings, and difficulty thinking. CTE can even lead to death.
There are a number of different types of head trauma that can occur in combat sports. These include:
* Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is hit hard enough to cause the brain to move around inside the skull. Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
* Sub-concussive hits: Sub-concussive hits are blows to the head that do not cause a concussion. These hits can still cause damage to the brain, however, and they can accumulate over time to increase the risk of developing CTE.
Degenerative Diseases that Result from Head Trauma
CTE is a serious degenerative brain disease that can develop after repeated head trauma. CTE can cause a variety of problems, including:
* Memory loss
* Mood swings
* Difficulty thinking
* Difficulty concentrating
* Problems with balance and coordination
* Problems with speech and language
* Problems with sleep
* Problems with motor skills
CTE can even lead to death.
Examples of Fighters Who Suffering from CTE
There are a number of high-profile athletes who have been diagnosed with CTE after suffering from repeated head trauma. These include:
* Junior Seau: Seau was a former NFL linebacker who was diagnosed with CTE after his death in 2012. He was 43 years old.
* Aaron Hernandez: Hernandez was a former NFL tight end who was diagnosed with CTE after his death in 2017. He was 27 years old.
* Dave Duerson: Duerson was a former NFL safety who committed suicide in 2011. He was 50 years old.
* Mike Webster: Webster was a former NFL center who died in 2002. He was 50 years old.
These are just a few examples of the many athletes who have been diagnosed with CTE.
Preventing Head Trauma in Combat Sports
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent head trauma in combat sports, including:
* Using protective gear, such as helmets and headgear
* Using rules that limit the number of blows to the head
* Educating athletes about the risks of head trauma
* Evaluating athletes for signs of concussion and removing them from competition if necessary
It is important to note that there is no way to completely prevent head trauma in combat sports. However, by taking these steps, it is possible to reduce the risk.
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