Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Soccer Players

Background: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurological disease associated with repeated head trauma, initially identified in boxers but increasingly recognized in other contact sports, including football. Recent studies have raised concerns about the prevalence of CTE among football players, particularly due to the unique dynamics of the sport, which involve frequent heading of the ball and player collisions. While football has traditionally been viewed as a safer sport compared to American football, emerging evidence suggests that football players may also face a significant risk of developing this condition, indicating a need for further investigation into the incidence of CTE and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: This narrative review examines the existing literature, focusing on neuropathological studies published between ۲۰۰۵ and December ۲۰۲۲, which identified ۲۱۰ relevant articles, seven of which involved detailed cases of football players diagnosed with CTE. The review includes assessments of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and pathological evaluations to explore the correlation between heading frequency, concussions, and the development of CTE. Results: The review found that, among ۱۴ analyzed football players, CTE was the primary diagnosis in ۱۰ cases. In four instances, other forms of dementia were diagnosed as the initial condition, with CTE identified as a secondary pathology. Notably, six players had no documented history of concussions, suggesting that frequent heading could pose a risk for developing CTE even in the absence of significant traumatic events. Additionally, MRI studies indicated that higher heading frequencies were associated with reduced cortical thickness and disrupted white matter integrity. These findings underscore the potential risks associated with repeated heading in football and highlight the need to reconsider rules regarding heading practices to mitigate these risks. Conclusion: Evidence suggests a significant correlation between heading frequency and concussions with an increased risk of CTE in retired football players. However, the limited number of reviewed cases raises questions about the definitive role of heading as a risk factor for long-term cognitive decline. Further research is essential to clarify these relationships and to develop strategies aimed at protecting players from head-related injuries.

کلیدواژه ها:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy ، soccer ، football ، heading ، head trauma ، neurodegenerative disease