Abstract

Concussive head injuries are exceedingly common in combat sports. To prevent all concussive injuries would require fundamental changes to the very nature of these sports such as no punches or kicks to the head. These radical changes would likely not be acceptable. Hence a more practical approach would be an attempt to make these sports safer by reducing the number, severity and ensuring better management of concussive head injuries. Mandating concussion education for all combatants, coaches, trainers and referees is a practical, cost-effective and easy-to-implement intervention.

Keywords

brain injury, imaging studies, abrupt arousal,combatant volunteers