The National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Dr. Manuel Velasco Suárez" (INNNMVS) has consolidated its leadership in the study and treatment of concussions in sports with the organization of the First International Congress on Sports Concussion.
This event featured prominent specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, and sports medicine, as well as representatives from the Mexican Football Federation (FEMEXFUT), which has adopted the Concussion Protocol developed in collaboration with INNNMVS.
The general director of INNNMVS, Ángel Antonio Arauz Góngora, explained that concussions trigger an inflammatory process in the brain that affects the function of neurotransmitters, potentially leading to neuropsychiatric and degenerative changes. Therefore, the necessity of continuing research and training in this area is emphasized.
Dr. Alonso Gutiérrez Romero, Head of the Neurological Endovascular Therapy Department at INNNMVS, emphasized the long-term consequences of repeated concussions, which are common in sports like American football and boxing. While an isolated concussion may resolve with rest, repetitive injuries increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
The congress highlighted the importance of evaluating players on the field to determine if they can continue in the game, a process that involves the intervention of a specialist doctor in neurology. Additionally, the relevance of a quick and accurate diagnosis through blood biomarkers, such as ubiquitin and fibrillar protein, was discussed.
Representatives from national and international sports leagues, such as América, Pachuca, Cruz Azul, Santos Laguna, Necaxa, Juárez, Toluca, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Football League (NFL) of the United States, were present at the congress.
INNNMVS reaffirms its commitment to innovation in the research and treatment of concussions, contributing to the protection of athletes' health and the development of preventive strategies for neurological diseases. It is emphasized that the decisions of health professionals are based on medical criteria, without influence from teams or players.
