Brain Injury in Boxing

Abstract

A resolution regarding brain injury in boxing was introduced to the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The sponsor of the resolution noted that brain damage, as evidenced by dementia, memory loss, slurred speech, tremor and abnormal gait, is seen in perhaps 15% of professional boxers. The sponsor further noted that death is an occasional consequence of the sport in which the ultimate goal is to reduce the opponent to a state of total and complete helplessness. The resolution was referred to the Board of Trustees with the request that the board "study the matter of brain injury in boxing and report the results of the study, along with such remedies as may be appropriate." The Board of Trustees referred the matter to the Council on Scientific Affairs. The Council on Scientific Affairs concurs with the findings in the following report,