‘Heading’ in Soccer Linked to Possible Brain Injury

As reported by a study published in the journal Radiology, soccer players who hit soccer balls with their heads are found to have brain abnormalities similar to those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They also demonstrate poor performance on memory tests.

Heading, as the act is called, is a key factor in soccer. A player can head a ball between six to 12 times during a game and during practices, balls are headed up to 30 times repeatedly. Balls can travel at 50 miles per hour, seemingly making the act a likely cause of concussion. However, studies reveal concussions are not common in these cases. Researchers have found that there are changes in the brain very similar to TBI instead. Click here to read the full article.