Head and neck injuries in soccer. Impact of minor trauma.

Head injuries have been shown to account for between 4 and 22% of soccer injuries. Clinical and neuropsychological investigations of patients with minor head trauma have revealed organic brain damage. 69 active football (soccer) players and 37 former players 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 and 30% of the former players complained of permanent problems such as headache, dizziness, irritability, impaired memory and neck pain. 35% of the active and 32% of former players had from slightly abnormal to abnormal EEG compared with 13 and 11% of matched controls, respectively. There were fewer definitely abnormal EEG changes among typical 'headers' (10%) than among 'nonheaders' (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.

[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 neuropsychologic study of former soccer players.

Thirty-seven former soccer players of the National Football Team of Norway were individually examined with an extensive battery of psychologic tests. The neuropsychologic examination demonstrated mild to severe deficits regarding attention, concentration, memory, and judgment in 81% of the players. This may indicate some degree of permanent organic brain damage, probably the cumulative result of repeated traumas from heading the ball.

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.

Brain damage in former association football players. An evaluation by cerebral computed tomography.

Thirty-three former football players from the National Football Team of Norway were examined by cerebral computer tomography (CT). The CT studies, evaluated for brain atrophy, visually and by linear measurements compared two different normal materials. One third of the players were found to have central cerebral atrophy. It is concluded that the atrophy probably was caused by repeated small head injuries during the football play, mainly in connection with heading the ball.

Cervical disc herniation in a football player.

A case of cervical disc herniation occurring in close association with playing football is reported. The handling of neck injuries in football players is outlined.

Cranioplasty technical note.

A modification of Galicich and Hovind's method of cranioplasty is described. The prosthesis is not made on a side-table in the operation theatre. Steel wire mesh is fastened to the edge of the bone defect with stainless wires passed through drill holes. Acrylic mixture is then poured over the mesh and is cooled with saline. The technique has its main advantage in simplicity, and the result is cosmetically and functionally satisfactory.

Stainless steel mesh-acrylic cranioplasty.

Twenty-four steel mesh-acrylic plates have been used for repair of skull defects in 1970-73. Three plates had to be removed due to complications, two due to infection and one due to an allergic reaction. The plate is easy to mould, strong, and light. The cosmetic results are excellent.