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Boxing injuries: neurologic, radiologic, and neuropsychologic evaluation
R J Ross1, I R Casson, O Siegel
1Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Boxing causes significant brain damage in athletes. Despite evidence and proposed safeguards, the sport
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Boxing's designation as a sport is questioned due to its reliance on inflicting physical damage.
- The deleterious effects of boxing on the brain are well-documented.
- Lack of meaningful action from boxing promoters to address boxer safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present findings on the neurological impact of boxing on a large cohort of athletes.
- To evaluate the implementation of proposed safety measures in professional and amateur boxing.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 58 professional and amateur boxers using modern diagnostic modalities.
- Review of implemented safety recommendations and their effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Unequivocal demonstration of deleterious effects of boxing on the brain.
- Failure to implement suggested safeguards, including medical records, protective gear, and improved ring conditions.
- Rejection of advanced diagnostic tools like computed tomograms (CT scans) and neuropsychological evaluations, even when offered at no cost.
Conclusions:
- Established medical injuries and lack of safety efforts support calls for a ban on boxing.
- Organized boxing has not implemented effective measures to protect athletes from brain injury.