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AI could revolutionise concussion care in sport – but risks remain

5 0
08.06.2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping medicine, from diagnosing disease to accelerating drug discovery. Its influence is also reaching the world of sport.

In a recent editorial, we looked at how AI could transform how researchers, doctors and sporting organisations detect, monitor and manage concussion, which is one of the most challenging health issues facing contact sports today.

Concussion is a form of brain injury caused by a sudden bump, blow, or violent shake to the head. It is difficult to diagnose as it rarely looks the same twice. Some athletes feel sick and dizzy; others do not. Some lose consciousness, yet around 90% do not.

Many of the sports we play and watch carry a significant risk of head impact and brain injury. Such injuries might occur from a single heavy impact: a mistimed tackle, a punch, a fall. Others add up over many years of frequent knocks, leaving athletes at an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Our own research has shown how even repeated impacts that don’t cause concussion in rugby, football and boxing can quietly damage the........

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