It’s perhaps no surprise that boxing injuries statistics show a clear trend- boxing brain damage is shockingly widespread.
Protective Boxing gear can help protect you, but there’s no getting around it- boxing is a dangerous sport.
Your best bet for boxing injury prevention is to be aware of potentially serious symptoms and call it quits before you sustain permanent injuries. Here are some boxing injury facts you should be aware of and how to prevent life-threatening complications.
90% of Boxers Will Get a Concussion
We all know boxing is a dangerous sport, but what percentage of boxers get brain damage? According to the Association of Neurological Surgeons, 90% of boxers will suffer a concussion at some point in their careers.
When you get a concussion, your brain pushes against the side of your skull due to impact and can bruise.
Sometimes concussions are referred to as a minor illness, but they carry the potential to be dangerous. Some doctors will simply tell you to rest and avoid screens for a week or two.
Make no mistake, a concussion isn’t just a bad headache you get after you hit your head too hard. It’s a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can lead to lasting complications.
Serious concussions may require more complicated treatment plans.Repeated TBIs can lead to more serious complications, so it’s important that you know the symptoms.
Sometimes concussion symptoms can be elusive. Symptoms of concussions range from minor symptoms like headaches to more serious complications like loss of consciousness and amnesia.
Even minor concussions require you to rest and recover, so it’s important to pay attention to your body after suffering a blow to the head. For most boxers, that’s every practice and match! That explains why almost all boxers will suffer from a concussion at one point.
Even amateur boxers get concussions, and youth are more at risk for concussions. If you get a concussion, it’s important to rest and fully recover before returning back to your normal activities. It’s rare, but you can develop life-threatening brain swelling if you suffer from a second concussion before your first concussion has healed.
Depending on the severity of your concussion, treatment can range from resting at home to manual therapy to visual rehab. Repeated boxing brain damage can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Boxers Are at Risk for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a serious complication of repeated concussions. Boxers get hit in the head repeatedly and can suffer from multiple concussions, which is a risk factor for CTE.
CTE is also known as punch drunk syndrome, boxer’s brain, or dementia pugilistica. So what is the percentage of boxers with CTE? The exact number of boxers who develop CTE has not yet been defined, but some authorities estimate around 20% of boxers have CTE.
Other experts believe that number is probably much higher due to the nature of boxing including successive blows to the head. Evidence of CTE was found in 99% of NFL football players who were examined post-mortem.
Beyond the physical damage to the head, the psychological effects of boxing and CTE are also startling. CTE is a progressive disease and the symptoms include memory loss, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, mental illness (depression, suicidality, anxiety), parkinsonism, and lastly, dementia. There is currently no cure.
Boxers with CTE brain damage suffer from multiple issues. Symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be treated, but there’s no cure for progressive dementia that accompanies CTE. If that’s not worrisome enough, you can develop CTE from multiple hits to the head, even if those hits don’t cause any symptoms. In other words, you can get CTE even if you have no previous symptoms.
The symptoms can creep up on you long after you stop boxing. The changes caused by CTE can start appearing decades after your last brain trauma.
Famous boxers with CTE include Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, Gary Goodridge, and many more.
Research still needs to be done to understand why some people develop CTE and others don’t, even if both people have suffered from multiple concussions. While that research is pending, your best bet to avoid CTE is to avoid repeated concussions. Unfortunately for some boxers, that means stopping any contact sports after suffering successive blows to the head.
Different doctors have different opinions on “How much is too much?” when it comes to concussions, so you should speak to your health care professional for specific advice.
Boxing Causes Around 13 Deaths Every Year
Even with today’s safety standards, people do still die in the ring. It’s estimated that between 1980 and 2011, an average of 13 people died every year from boxing injuries. Some boxers succumb to their injuries days after their last match. Other fighters, like Boris Stanchov, actually died in the ring from complications like cardiac arrest.
It’s important to note that according to the American Medical Association, there are other sports with higher fatality rates such as college football, motorcycle racing, and horse racing.
Boxing Injury Prevention
In light of all the boxing head injuries statistics we’ve discussed, it’s no surprise that boxing injury prevention is a subject of much discussion. How to prevent fatal injuries and destructive boxing brain damage related illnesses such as CTE is a hot topic.
There is currently no way to predict who will develop serious complications and who won’t. The only way to prevent boxing head injuries is to avoid head trauma and concussions.
Neck Strength
A study with high school football players found that for every one-pound increase in neck strength, the odds of concussion decreased by 5%. Take these findings with a grain of salt, because this study hasn’t been replicated with boxers. However, it couldn’t hurt to make sure your neck is in good health.
You can do exercises with resistance bands to strengthen your neck at home or see a physiotherapist for specific recommendations. If you’re new to neck exercises, it’s best to consult a licensed professional before trying anything on your own. Neck injuries can be debilitating, and you don’t want to risk pulling a muscle while exercising.
Protective Gear for Boxers
Boxing Head Guards
Boxing head guards protect your head from injuries like cuts, scrapes, and swelling. Unfortunately, they don’t protect you from concussions or other brain injuries. Regardless, many boxers choose to wear them to protect themselves in any way they can.
Boxing Gloves
Boxing head injuries aren’t the only things to be worried about. Without proper hand protection, you can injure your hands and wrists by boxing.
Boxing gloves and hand wraps protect your fingers, hands, and wrists as you throw punches. Sparring gloves, as opposed to bag gloves, are not as heavy so they’re preferred when boxing with other people.
Know Your Limits, Be Your Own Advocate
Your coaches, trainers, friends, or family members are not trained medical professionals. If you don’t speak up when something feels off, they may push you to keep training or competing. If you feel that you’re experiencing the symptoms of a concussion or any other health problem, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
There is no harm in being extra safe, especially when the health of your brain is on the line.
If you’re looking to start boxing, don’t ignore the dangers that come along with it so you’re not blindsided by the potential consequences later on. If you’re already boxing, be sure to protect yourself as best as you can. For many boxing lovers, the benefits of boxing outweigh the risks!
If you’re looking for a sport that doesn’t involve multiple blows to the head, check out this combat sports guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Statistics on Head Injuries in Boxing
How do head injury rates compare between amateur and professional boxing?
Studies have shown that head injury rates are higher in professional boxing than in amateur boxing. One study found that professional boxers had a higher incidence of head injuries compared to amateur boxers, with a higher percentage of professional boxers sustaining severe head injuries. However, it's important to note that both amateur and professional boxing carry a risk of head injury, and proper protective measures should be taken to minimise this risk.
Are certain weight classes in boxing associated with a higher incidence of head injuries?
Research has suggested that there may be a correlation between weight classes in boxing and the incidence of head injuries. One study found that boxers in the heavyweight division had a higher rate of head injuries compared to boxers in the lower weight classes. This may be due to the fact that heavier boxers have a greater force of impact when delivering punches, increasing the risk of head injury. However, more research is needed to confirm this association and to determine other potential factors that may contribute to head injuries in different weight classes.
What measures are being taken by boxing organisations to reduce the incidence of head injuries in the sport?
Boxing organizations are taking several measures to reduce the incidence of head injuries in the sport. These measures include improved medical protocols, stricter rules and regulations, better protective gear, education and awareness campaigns, and investment in research and development. By implementing these measures, boxing organizations aim to ensure the safety of boxers and minimize the risks associated with the sport. However, it's important to note that boxing still carries a risk of head injury, and boxers should take all necessary precautions to protect themselves while in the ring.
Are certain types of boxing gloves or protective headgear more effective at reducing head injuries?
There is ongoing research to determine which types of boxing gloves and protective headgear are most effective at reducing head injuries. Currently, there is no consensus on whether one brand or type of equipment is superior to others. Factors that may impact the effectiveness of boxing gloves and protective headgear include their fit, quality, and reputation. Boxers should select equipment that fits properly, is made with high-quality materials, and has a good reputation in the industry. It's important to note that while protective gear can help reduce the risk of head injury, it cannot completely eliminate the risk.
Are there any demographic factors, such as age or gender, that are associated with a higher risk of head injury in boxing?
Research has suggested that age and gender may be associated with differences in the risk of head injury in boxing. One study found that younger boxers, particularly those under the age of 20, were at a higher risk of sustaining a head injury compared to older boxers. Additionally, female boxers were found to have a higher incidence of head injuries compared to male boxers. However, it's important to note that these associations may be influenced by various other factors, such as the level of experience, training, and skill of the boxer. Proper medical supervision, education, and protective gear are essential for reducing the risk of head injury in all boxers, regardless of age or gender.
Can a boxer continue to compete after sustaining a head injury?
It depends on the severity of the head injury. If a boxer sustains a mild head injury, such as a concussion, they may be able to return to the ring after a period of rest and medical clearance. However, if a boxer sustains a severe head injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, they may not be able to continue boxing due to the potential for long-term consequences or complications. It's important for boxers to prioritize their health and well-being and to work closely with medical professionals to determine if and when they are able to return to competition after a head injury. Additionally, many boxing organizations have rules and regulations in place regarding head injuries and when a boxer can safely return to the ring.