This suggests that collisions-sport athletes are combating cellular dysfunction in the absence of observable external symptoms. Furthermore, this may mean the threshold for brain injury is lower than what was once thought.

Conclusions on Neurometabolic Changes and Concussions

Neurometabolic changes in collision sport athletes by biological sex

In collision-sport athletes, brain metabolism is negatively impacted throughout the course of a season due to mild head injuries even if a concussion is not known to have occurred. 

Michigan State University

Also called minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI). An injury resulting from a blow to the head and associated with temporary neurological symptoms such as memory loss or other cognitive impairments, pain, and visual disturbances.

Concussion

Bari, S., Svaldi, D.O., Jang, I. et al. Dependence on subconcussive impacts of brain metabolism in collision sport athletes: an MR spectroscopic study. Brain Imaging and Behavior 13, 735–749 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-018-9861-9

Dependence on subconcussive impacts of brain metabolism in collision sport athletes: an MR spectroscopic study

Concussion Library

In addition to the physical and cognitive symptoms of concussions, anxiety and depression are prevalent post-concussion, being reported as the primary symptom in about 30% of sport-related concussions.

Psychological impacts of concussions

There are a multitude of assessment methods for concussions, each other which get at different potential impact domains (cognitive, psychological, biological). Some common tests include:
- Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS)
- Standard Assessment of Concussion (SAC)
- Standard Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3)
- Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) 

Concussion symptom assessment

- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances

Physical impacts of concussions

- Concentration and memory complaints
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Forgetfulness, such as repeatedly asking the same question
- Slowed processing speeds
- Confusion
- Potential for amnesia of the traumatic event

Cognitive impacts of concussions

It is estimated between 1.6-3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually, with 30% occurring in youth male American football athletes.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After