CTE May Occur without Concussions

New research from Boston University published in Brain suggests that even if a head knock doesn't lead to a concussion, it could lead to the brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).


The report suggests that it's head injuries, and not concussions, that lead to CTE as proteins leak from blood vessels in the brain and inflaming the surrounding brain tissue.  From post-mortem studies, CTE is seen as an accumulation of "tau" protein around the brain’s blood vessels.

John Barclay on recovery from concussion "a flaw in the system"

Interesting article on BBC about John Barclays recovery from the recent concussion he suffered whilst playing for Scarlets against Edinburgh.

Genetic variation shown to have impact on risk of concussion

The authors of a three year study evaluating the link between the risk of concussion in college sports and 8 genetic variations from 4 genes related to structural neuronal integrity and release of pro inflammatory signals, have concluded that athletes with variaton IL-6R CC were associated with a three times greater concussion risk, whilst APOE4 variation athletes saw a 40% lower risk.

Concussion link to mental health in ex-players

Professional soccer players and other athletes who suffer concussion are more likely to report anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance after their career, according to new research.

In a study supported by FIFPro, 576 former first-division footballers, ice hockey and rugby players from Finland, France, Ireland, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, it was found that during the first 10 years after retirement, players are seven to 11% more likely to report symptoms of common mental disorders for each additional career-related concussion.

Concussion knowledge and experience among Welsh amateur rugby union coaches and referees

A study in the September 2017 edition of the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine from Griffin SA, Ranson C, Moore I, et al which assessed the knowledge and experience of various aspects of concussion among coaches and referees involved in Welsh amateur rugby union.

The study identified a number of concussion-related misconceptions, especially in regard to prevention, clinical consequences and management, and emphasises an important need for further education.

Kevin Doyle: Republic of Ireland striker retires over 'repeated headaches'

Having suffered "numerous" concussions through-out his career, the BBC are reporting that Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle has retired because of "repeated headaches" caused by heading the ball.

A Blow to the Header

New research in America is now linking soccer to potential brain injuries associated with concussions in current and former players. Story from National Geographic: