The Risk of Brain Injury in Boxing

Boxers frequently receive hits to their heads, which increases their risk of sustaining a concussion or a more severe brain injury. Over time, repetitive blows to the head can cause permanent brain damage, leading to diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 90% of boxers experience a concussion during their careers, and 20% develop long-term neurological conditions.

Research shows that, following a fight, levels of biochemical markers for brain injury rise in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of boxers. Compared to healthy non-athletes, these markers can increase up to 4 times, but return to normal levels after a three month break from boxing.

Ideally, boxers could easily be tested with a quick diagnostic test to check for neuronal damage biomarkers. Such a test would help them decide whether to continue with fights or not, and potentially prevent further, and possibly permanent, brain damage. However, the biomarkers mentioned in this study are detected from the CSF, which is sampled via a lumbar puncture, an invasive technique that needs to be done at a hospital by a neurologist.

Medicortex is aiming to solve this problem. We identified neuronal injury markers in easily accessible body fluids, urine and saliva. We are developing a rapid test that detects these biomarkers, to indicate or rule out brain injury. Medicortex’s TBI test will help athletes make informed decisions and keep their brain healthy. For more information, visit www.medicortex.fi.