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Miami Dolphin’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was released from the hospital after suffering a scary head injury during the Dolphins Thursday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL and the Dolphins are receiving a lot of criticism for their handling of Tagovailoa’s injury after he was scene stumbling after a hard hit the week before.
LOS ANGELES – Repeated heading in soccer may cause more significant brain damage than previously understood, according to a study to be presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting. The findings suggest that even without concussions, repeated head impacts can lead to structural brain abnormalities and cognitive impairment over time.
The study analyzed brain MRIs of 352 amateur soccer players, aged 18 to 53, comparing them to 77 non-collision athletes such as runners. Using an advanced imaging technique called diffusion MRI, researchers identified abnormalities in the brain’s white matter near sulci, deep grooves on the brain's surface.
"The potential effects of repeated head impacts in sport are much more extensive than previously known," said Dr. Michael L. Lipton, senior author of the study and professor of radiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Notably, most participants had never experienced a diagnosed concussion, emphasizing that even low-impact, repeated head trauma can harm brain health.
"The study identifies structural brain abnormalities from repeated head impacts among healthy athletes," Lipton explained. "These abnormalities are associated with worse ability to learn a cognitive task and could affect function in the future."
FILE – Fabricio Coloccini (L) and Gonzalo Rodriguez of San Lorenzo go for a header during the match against Palmeiras for the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019 at Allianz Parque Stadium on May 08, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Although focused on soccer, the findings raise broader concerns for athletes in other contact sports, where repetitive head impacts are common. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding these risks to help make sports safer.
Ongoing studies aim to uncover the exact mechanisms underlying these brain changes and identify potential protective measures.
"Characterizing the potential risks of repetitive head impacts can facilitate safer sport engagement to maximize benefits while minimizing potential harms," Lipton added.
Takeaways for athletes and parents
The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and The Dana Foundation, highlights the need for continued research into the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma in sports.
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