title: Soccer injuries to the brain. A neurologic and electroencephalographic study of former players.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Tysvaer
authors.forename: O V
authors.initials: OV
authors.lastname: Storli
authors.forename: N I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Bachen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged