What happens when a person experiences multiple concussions, such as sports-related injuries?

A: Each time the brain receives a concussive injury, more stretching and tearing of nerve fibers occurs. The effects of multiple concussive injuries are cumulative. Eventually, a person’s ability to “return to normal” is diminished, causing both the initial and secondary symptoms to persist for longer periods. Multiple concussive injuries are particularly dangerous due to the absence of a loss of consciousness or other physical symptoms that would create the need for medical attention.

 Sports coaches and players need to be aware that a blow to the head or even an abrupt, sudden stopping movement of the head, such as a rough tackle in football, can cause a concussive injury. Current research into repetitive concussive injuries indicates that the effects of concussive injuries may lead to the development of protein tangles known as TAU, which are associated with conditions such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Alzheimer’s Disease.

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