A recent review “The Long-Term Effects of Repeated Concussions in Contact Sports,” by Riaz Ahmed (Premier Journal of Science, 2025), found that repeated concussions can have lasting effects on memory, attention, and emotional health. The review highlights that multiple injuries increase the risk of cognitive decline and even neurodegenerative disease over time. This research is especially relevant for athletes this winter season, with contact sports in full swing.
The review analyzed evidence from athletes in contact sports who experienced repeat concussions and found that these injuries can have cumulative effects, including cognitive decline, mood changes, and increased risk of serious brain conditions. While helmets, rule changes, and training programs reduce risk, many concussions go undetected due to symptom reporting, which can be incomplete or delayed.
Key Findings
- Repeated concussions can cause lasting problems with memory, attention, and executive function.
- Emotional changes such as anxiety, depression, and irritability are common after multiple injuries.
Traditional detection methods often miss subtle brain changes, leaving athletes at risk. Protective equipment alone is not enough to prevent cumulative brain injury.
How EyeBOX Helps
EyeBOX provides an objective, eye-tracking assessment that identifies subtle changes in eye movement after head impacts. Unlike symptom checklists, EyeBOX does not rely on athletes to report how they feel, making it possible to detect functional changes early, guide safer return-to-play decisions, and prevent the long-term effects highlighted in this review.
Conclusion
Repeated concussions are more than temporary injuries; they can impact brain health for years. This winter, combining helmets, safe play practices, and EyeBOX’s objective vision screening gives athletes a smarter way to stay safe while enjoying contact sports. Detecting injuries early protects performance, recovery, and long-term brain health.