News in Brief Neuroscience

NFL players’ brains take a hit

Brain scans reveal hidden abnormalities in retired football pros

BIG HIT  Repeated hits to the head over the course of a football player's career can leave lasting damage to the brain.

Alexey Stiop/Shutterstock

By Laura Sanders

- More than 2 years ago

A punishing football career leaves a legacy in the brain. By revealing signs of brain damage in 13 retired NFL players, a brain-scanning study is the latest to show the effects of repeated hits to the head.