Nutrition in Combat Sports

6 Acute and Chronic Brain Injury in Combat Sports 95
The most recent ophthalmological study in boxers was carried out on 75 boxers
(45 active, including 44 amateurs; and 30 retired, including 12 amateurs). [23] The
results of the examinations confirmed the existence of generally asymptomatic
alterations of structures such as the orbital arch, conjunctiva, iris, lens, and retina.
[ 23] While three of the four retinal detachments detected could be attributed to
boxing, the older ages (and therefore greater potential for alterations related to age)
of the retired boxers (aged 33–70 years) may have influenced the results shown.
6.7 Acute Neurological Injuries
Acute neurological injuries have an immediate onset of symptoms. Those in boxing
include concussion, various types of intracranial hemorrhage, or diffuse brain swelling.
Acute neurological injuries may be associated with transient neurological impairment
such as of loss of consciousness, amnesia and/or loss of motor tone. [24, 25]
The most common acute neurological injury in any sport, including boxing, is
concussion. [26]
6.7.1 Concussion
In 2001, the Concussion in Sport Group developed a standardized definition of
concussion. This group has defined concussion as a “complex pathophysiological
process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces.”[ 27] It
typically results in the onset of a variety of neurological impairments, and these
reflect a functional disturbance rather than structural damage. Despite the absence
of neuroimaging abnormalities, concussion is associated with stereotyped clinical
and neuropsychological symptoms that can be used to identify it. [28]
Currently, there is no grading system for sports-related concussion available,
which has been scientifically tested and validated. The Concussion in Sport
Consensus recommended that all anecdotal grading schemes be abandoned in favor
of individualized measures of cognitive recovery.[ 27]
In boxing and other combat sports, a concussion may be reported as a medical
diagnosis, or may be inferred by a bout ending as a result of a KO, TKO, or the
referee stopping the contest as a result of a head injury. For amateur boxers, studies
have generally reported the incidence of concussion to be approximately 8.4–
18.7% of all injuries,[ 2, 4, 18, 29] although at least one study has reported a concussion
incidence of 51.6%. [5] This same study reported that a concussion occurred
in 11.7% of fights. [5] Unpublished data collected by the International Amateur
Boxing Association (AIBA) of senior world championship and Olympic fights
since 1980 shows a decreasing trend in the number of fights that are ended by
KOs, or the referee stopping the contest due to an injury.