Diagnostics and prevention of sports-related traumatic brain injury complication

Abstract

Sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) accounts for up to 20 % of all injuries that are obtained by athletes and its incidence rises annually due to rise in population involving in sports, growing popularity of extreme sports and high level of motivation to achieve record results among young sportsmen. The aim of the review is to present the potential benefits of using microwave radiothermometry and craniocerebral hypothermia technologies in sports-related TBI. The review considers most common form of traumatic brain injury in athletes - mild TBI, which in turn can provoke a wide range of complications and negative consequences in near and delayed periods after the injury. The main shortcomings of programs for complication prevention in treatment and rehabilitation of athletes after TBI are considered, which do not take into account the peculiarities of injury mechanisms, its significant differences from household, road or criminal injuries with brain damage. Lack of objective methods of instrumental diagnosis for injury severity is also described. In addition, pathophysiological component characteristics of sports TBI is accentuated: frequency of repetition, increasement of brain and body temperature, peripheral redistribution of blood flow and hypocapnia, which significantly affects cerebral blood flow. Based on the analysis of the available scientific literature, it is elicited that TBI is an independent cause of cerebral hyperthermia development, which significantly aggravates the consequences of the injury. Conclusions. The authors propose an innovative way to use microwave radiothermometry method as a diagnostic tool for sports-related TBI. In addition, the review highlights the main recommendations for complications prevention by using craniocerebral hypothermia technology, which reduces overall physical and cerebral hyperthermia, and augments the resistance of cerebral cortex neurons to hypoxia and trauma. However, the authors believe that the described approaches in sports medicine are not used purposefully due to lack of awareness of sports team doctors and coaches.