Most of you know how I feel about collision sports that are risky for brain injuries. But one emerging sport could be the worst I have ever seen as far as brain health is concerned.
I’m talking about MMA, mixed martial arts and Ultimate Fighting. Even worse than boxing, it allows male and female fighters to hit, kick, and basically pummel each other. In these brutal brawls, fighters routinely get clocked in the face, head, and neck.
Some experts say that MMA fighters are at higher risk for concussions than athletes in any other sport. Duh!
If you want proof, read this article about Michael Kirkham, a MMA fighter who suffered a brain hemorrhage in his first professional bout and died two days later. According to the article, Kirkham’s death is the second directly related to a sanctioned MMA event on U.S. soil.
Experts in Kirkham’s case say it might have been something called “second-impact syndrome.” That’s where a person suffers a head injury and in the following days and weeks, subsequent head trauma can cause a catastrophic injury.
This is another reason why all sports-including professional, college, and high school-need to be more vigilant about diagnosing and treating concussions and other head injuries.
As a neuroscientist, I just don’t understand why anyone would sign up for this kind of a beating. Getting beaten to a pulp on a regular basis is not the sign of intelligent life!
If you want to live your best life, protect your brain. It’s the only one you’ve got.
I seriously question why this sport is legal. I think it is worse than dog fighting. I love dogs, but these are human beings. Is the money that is made on MMA really worth causing lasting brain damage and damaging the combatants’ lives? I cannot imagine any thoughtful person answering yes.
Some people will say these fighters know the risk. I highly doubt it. No one likely ever told them about the risk for dementia and a life time of cognitive impairment. Sports commissions need to wake up and start protecting athletes not directly put them in harm’s way.
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Dear Dr. Amen,
You seem to be a decent man that cares about people and their health; and I know you’ve helped many thousands (if not millions) of people (including me). I’d like to offer some humble advice: Maybe I’m wrong, but I think your work is way too important to a much wider community of people than the MMA crowd for you to risk jeopardizing its message by potentially inviting trouble from a special interest group or industry lobby. From my observations, you live in country where industry groups and other lobby groups can be especially vindictive if they perceive any criticism that may affect their bottom line or interests. Remember, the incredibly unfair treatment Oprah Winfrey received when she made a totally legitimate and innocent comment that she wouldn’t eat beef again; very unfair and malicious efforts were made to destroy her credibility. As it is, even though your work is credible and your methods and analysis have been proven to work time and time again, because your work threatens the status-quo of conventional thinkers, you’ve come under unfair criticism in the past (even though you have delivered results and your critics have delivered only hot air). So can you imagine the kind of reaction that could result from the MMA ‘industry’ (who aren’t exactly known for their moderation, coolheadedness and civility). I think you and your work is way too important to provide your critics with additional potential support.
So I assume you must also feel the same way about boxing, kickboxing, football, baseball, soccer, rugby and cheerleading, correct?
Especially since there are so many more deaths, head injuries and other sports-related issues for boxers and those who play football, and most especially for cheerleaders, who suffer more injuries, head injuries than any other sport in the U.S., then you must also feel these sports should no longer be legal, right?
As they say in some churches, “PREACH IT, BROTHER”!!!
Thank you Dr., you are wise, and more people should read this and hear you speak of how important our brain health is . Life is better when we are not impaired!
Aspects of this sport are like legalized violence and I agree with Dr. Amen, “Should this be legal”? Knowing that brain injuries often lead to violent behavior, it is not right to allow someone to be beaten to death, under the guise of a sport, leaving society at risk of them acting out. If nothing else, brain injuries lead to personal disaster as well as affecting families and society. People need to know the risks and there should be legal boundaries and safeguards in place. Sports used to be good old competition and rewards for training and discipline. Now there are drugs involved to make one super human and hitting people for the kill with no regard for human life. Our world is sick.
Would Rocky have ever fought if he could run for office in Philadelphia, or practice law, any job that required brains over braun. I understand it is a movie, but it makes for a great metephore. Put desire, hardwork, and the right kind of talent in the right arena and the indiviual is compensated handsomely for there time. The only difference is that the politician, lawyer, or doctor can remember what happend to their money (O.K., bad examples). The point is that the fighter for his efforts gets paid well for all the risk that incurred, but has no recollection of where all his money went in the days, weeks, or years later.
I think it is okay to speak out so that people are aware of the hazards. I think this is especially true when you share the problems with multiple head injuries – high school youth and parents do not know that having a concussion and still playing increases additional risks. This happened to a friend of mine’s child. He is now in drama. I believe in personal choice but if people who care about these people realize the dangers it could make a difference for some people.
You seem like a very caring, concerned doctor. I have found very little of that in my experience. I feel as if they just blow through the exam and don’t really listen to me. How would you suggest I “shop” for a doctor who really will take me seriously and listen to me? Also someone willing to take all the blood work you suggest?