Microhemorrhages in Professional Motocross Athletes: A Case Series

Authors

Brianna Millsaps, University of Central FloridaFollow
Phillip R. Worts, Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University
Scott O. Burkhart, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Children's Health Andrews Institute
David C. Berg, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

Keywords

brain concussion; microhemorrhages; ImPACT; motocross; off-road motor vehicles; craniocerebral trauma; brain injuries, complications; athletic injuries, complications; intracranial hemorrhages, diagnosis; magnetic resonance imaging

Disciplines

Neurology | Sports Medicine | Sports Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Motocross is a sport in which riders race 250–450 cc four-stroke dirt bikes and are potentially subjected to a high frequency of head injuries starting at a very young age. The objective of this case series is to present the findings following gradient echo T2-weighted MRI (SWI) upon clinical evaluation after a concussion in 4 young professional motocross racers.

Clinical Findings: Microhemorrhages were found in 2 of 4 riders. Areas of microhemorrhages were not aligned with a previously positive CT finding from a prior concussion in 1 rider.

Conclusions: Microhemorrhages were found in 2 young motocross riders following a gradient echo T2-weighted MRI upon a clinical evaluation after a concussion. Long-term consequences of these findings are not yet known, and longitudinal studies are needed to provide further understanding to improve concussion management in motocross athletes.

Recommended Citation

Millsaps, Brianna; Worts, Phillip R.; Burkhart, Scott O.; and Berg, David C. (2020) "Microhemorrhages in Professional Motocross Athletes: A Case Series," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 1: Iss. 5, Article 3.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1011
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol1/iss5/3