[Head and neck injuries among Norwegian soccer players. A neurological, electroencephalographic, radiologic and neuropsychological evaluation]. / Hode- og nakkeskader hos norske fotballspillere. En neurologisk, elektroencefalografisk, radiologisk og neuropsykologisk evaluering.

69 active football (soccer) players and 37 former members of the Norwegian national team were included in a neurological and electroencephalographic (EEG) study to investigate the incidence of head injuries, mainly caused by heading the ball. 3% of the active players and 30% of the former players complained of permanent problems such as headache, dizziness, irritability, impaired memory and pain in the neck. 35% of the active players and 32% of former players had from slightly abnormal to abnormal EEG, as against 13 and 11% of respective matched controls. There were fewer definitely abnormal EEG changes among typical headers (10%) than among "non-headers" (27%). The former players were also subjected to cerebral computed tomography (CT), a neuropsychological examination and a radiological examination of the cervical spine. One third of the players were found to have central cerebral atrophy and 81% to have from mild to severe (mostly mild to moderate) neuropsychological impairment. The radiological examination of the cervical spine revealed a significantly higher incidence and degree of degenerative changes than in a matched control group.

Soccer injuries to the brain. A neurologic and electroencephalographic study of former players.

Thirty-seven former football players of the Norwegian national team underwent a neurological and electroencephalographic (EEG) examination to investigate the incidence of head injuries due to heading the ball. Sixteen players complained of protracted and permanent symptoms commonly attributed to the post-concussional syndrome: headache, irritability, dizziness, lack of concentration and impaired memory. A significantly increased incidence of EEG abnormalities was found in players compared with matched controls. The high incidence of EEG changes is probably the result of a cumulative effect due to repeated head traumas.

Soccer injuries to the brain. A neurologic and electroencephalographic study of active football players.

Sixty-nine football players from six Norwegian First Division League Clubs underwent a neurologic and EEG examination to investigate the incidence of head injuries. A significantly increased incidence of EEG disturbances were found in the football players compared to matched controls. The disturbances were most pronounced among the youngest players. The higher incidence of EEG disturbances found in the football players is most likely due to neuronal damage caused by repeated minor head traumas.