Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health Vol. 16; no. 2; p. 254
• Main Authors: Lim, Lucas J H, Ho, Roger C M, Ho, Cyrus S H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 17.01.2019; MDPI
• Subjects: Adult; Boxing; Brain Concussion - etiology; Brain Concussion - pathology; Brain Concussion - physiopathology; Case Report; Chronic traumatic encephalopathy; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy - etiology; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy - pathology; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy - physiopathology; Encephalopathy; Football; Head injuries; Humans; Male; Martial Arts; Memory tasks; Permutations; Short term memory; Soft tissues; Syncope; Trauma; United States > US; mixed martial arts; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; neuropsychiatric sequelae
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020254

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was first discovered in professional boxers after they exhibited memory impairments, mood and behavioral changes after years of boxing. However, there is now a growing acceptance that CTE can develop in athletes of other sports due to the repetitive head trauma they receive. We present a case of a middle-aged male who presented with worsening memory, poor concentration, and behavioral changes for a year. On further cognitive testing, it was revealed that he had difficulties with short-term memory and processing speed as well as difficulties in organizing and multitasking. He had been practicing mixed martial arts (MMA) for 10 years, and later was an instructor of the sport. Through a detailed examination of his history, it was discovered that he sustained recurrent minor head concussions due to his line of work. To date, there has been limited large-scale research on head trauma in MMA. There is thus an urgent need for more studies in this area as CTE can be a chronic and debilitating illness with incapacitating neuropsychiatric sequelae. This case highlights the importance of public awareness of the risks of MMA and the dangers it poses to the brain, especially with more young people being attracted to this sport.