Retrospective study of concussive convulsions in elite Australian rules and rugby league footballers: Phenomenology, aetiology, and outcome

Abstract

Objectives: To study the ictal phenomenology, aetiology, and outcome of convulsions occurring within seconds of impact in violent collision sport. Design: Retrospective identification of convulsions associated with concussive brain injury from case records from medical officers of football clubs over a 15 year period. Subjects: Elite Australian rules and rugby league footballers. Main outcome measures: Neuroimaging studies, electroencephalography, neuropsychological test data, and statistics on performance in matches to determine presence of structural or functional brain injury. Clinical follow up and electroencephalography for evidence of epilepsy. Results: Twenty two cases of concussive c..