Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 1992; 13(8): 616-620
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024576
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Significance of Diagnostic Imaging in Acute and Chronic Brain Damage in Boxing

A Prospective Study in Amateur Boxing Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)M. Holzgraefe1 , W. Lemme1 , W. Funke1 , R. Felix2 , R. Felten3
  • 1Neurological University Hospital, Göttingen
  • 2Radiology Department, Free University Berlin, University Medical School “Rudolf Virchow”, Berlin
  • 3Federal Institute of Sport Science, Köln, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The significance and possible extent of structural damage to the central nervous system (CNS) due to boxing are investigated. Bleeding, especially microhematomas, is considered to be one probable cause of the chronic encephalopathy in boxers. In a prospective study, 13 amateur boxers were investigated with the help of MRI several times before and after their fights. The MRI investigations were accompanied by neurologic examinations before and after the fights. Among the 13 boxers, 5 demonstrated focal neurological signs following the fights, without evidence of small hematoma or other structural alterations. The number of head punches did not correlate with the occurrence of neurologic signs. These results indicate that up to now imaging methods cannot clarify the development of chronic encephalopathy.

Key words

Brain damage - imaging - MRI - boxing

      >