Current sports medicine reports
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Sports-related concussion has gained increased prominence, in part due to media coverage of several well-known athletes who have died from consequences of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE was first described by Martland in 1928 as a syndrome seen in boxers who had experienced significant head trauma from repeated blows. The classic symptoms of impaired cognition, mood, behavior, and motor skills also have been reported in professional football players, and in 2005, the histopathological findings of CTE were first reported in a former National Football League (NFL) player. ⋯ The pathophysiology is still unknown but involves a history of repeated concussive and subconcussive blows and then a lag period before CTE symptoms become evident. The involvement of excitotoxic amino acids and abnormal microglial activation remain speculative. Early identification and prevention of this disease by reducing repeated blows to the head has become a critical focus of current research.
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The understanding of paraneoplastic syndromes has improved over the last several years. These disorders are brought about by tumor secretion of substances that can alter hormonal function and create immune cross-reactivity with normal tissues. This, in turn, can alter normal metabolic pathways resulting in paraneoplastic syndromes. ⋯ These cancers most notably affect the neuromuscular, rheumatologic, mucocutaneous, hematologic, renal, and endocrine systems. Effective diagnosis and treatment of paraneoplastic syndromes most often require appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the underlying malignancy. This review focuses on the most commonly encountered paraneoplastic syndromes, so athletes and those who care for them can be aware of the potential risk of an occult or recurrent malignancy.
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Participation in extreme sports has increased over the last 25 years. Although spinal cord injury may be sustained during extreme and traditional sports alike, the associated risk, location, and severity of injury varies by sport. ⋯ Sports medicine providers should be aware of the risks associated with air sports/extreme sports participation. Such awareness may help prevent injury and enhance the management of associated complications.