Nutrition in Combat Sports

12 Boxing 201
Fig. 12.2 Rupture of bridging vein. Rotational acceleration/deceleration causes acute subdural
hematoma by rupture of the bridging vein
and axonal damage in the brainstem. When a punch causes rotational acceleration of
the head, the veins and long axon fibers are stretched and may be torn, resulting in
subdural hematoma and axonal damage, respectively (Fig. 12.2 ). Falling against the
ropes or the floor of the ring causes impact deceleration to the head and may result
in contrecoup lesions as well as gliding contusions. Blows to the neck can injure the
carotid artery and compression of the carotid sinus may cause generalized ischaemia
of the brain. The severity of acute damage varies from transient alterations of cognitive
function to irreversible brain damage and death.
12.12.2.1 Acute Brain Injuries
Subdural Hematoma
Superior sagittal sinus
Bridging vein
The bridging veins connect the brain with the superior sagittal sinus of the dura mater.
When the skull accelerates, these veins are stretched and if they torn, blood accumulates
in the subdural space, causing compression, edema, and herniation of the brain.
In boxing most fatalities are caused by subdural hematoma and its complications.