Analysis of the Association of Professional Sports with Athletes’ Cranial Nerve Dysfunction and Mental Health Problems

Sport and Exercise Science & Medicine, The University of Glasgow, 80 Hillhead Street, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland

^* Corresponding author: 2457901Y@student.gla.ac.uk

Abstract

This article discusses the association of professional sports with athletes’ cranial nerve dysfunction and mental health problems by conducting a literature review of the latest researches and theories. Professional or elite athletes, especially those in collision, combat and contact sports, are very likely to get multiple concussions or repeated traumatic brain injuries, which are often associated with cranial nerve dysfunction and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, resulting in various neurological impairments and diseases as well as mental health problems (e.g. depression and anxiety). In addition, other factors can also cause psychological problems among professional athletes, such as pre-competition stress and adverse life events. In order to improve the physical and mental health of professional or elite athletes, there should be more policies and measures to promote the early identification, treatment and prevention of psychopathology and other sequelae of brain trauma. Besides, a proper mechanism and system should be set up to enable those athletes to get aware of and seek suitable assistance when these dysfunctions and disorders occur.