Mild head injury in sports.

Mild head injury has been recognized as producing numerous "postconcussive" symptoms that temporarily reduce an individual's ability to function. Controversy exists over the short-and long-term effects of mild head injuries, and the effects of repeated concussive blows to the head have not been sufficiently studied. Amateur and professional athletes provide an excellent population for the examination of many aspects of postconcussive syndrome. The nature, incidence, and cognitive and emotional symptoms of mild head injury, are reviewed within, the framework of professional and amateur sports. Particular attention is paid to the few available prospective studies of amateur boxers and collegiate football players.