Soccer injuries to the brain. A neurologic and electroencephalographic study of active football players.

Sixty-nine football players from six Norwegian First Division League Clubs underwent a neurologic and EEG examination to investigate the incidence of head injuries. A significantly increased incidence of EEG disturbances were found in the football players compared to matched controls. The disturbances were most pronounced among the youngest players. The higher incidence of EEG disturbances found in the football players is most likely due to neuronal damage caused by repeated minor head traumas.