Lower-impact hits in football can still cause brain damage

Hits that don’t bring on concussions in football players can still cause brain damage, a new study finds. The potential neurological effects of concussions are well-known, but the new work suggests that even one season of small hits could lead to reduced white matter in the brain, which can lead to cognitive and motor problems. Researchers measured more than 19,000 hits sustained by 38 college players during one season from practices and games. MRIs from the start and end of the season revealed an overall reduction in white matter in the players, even though only two of these players suffered concussions. The extent of the damage corresponded with the number of hits sustained. The researchers say MRIs of the midbrain could help physicians diagnose “clinically silent” brain injuries and prevent long-term damage from play-related hits.