Both amateur and professional footballers are at a higher risk of head injuries from high-impact head contact during training and gameplay. With the incidence of sports-related injury increasing, growth within neurological medical device markets can also be expected—with hydrocephalus shunts, interventional neuroradiology, and neuromodulation markets estimated to be worth $0.5 billion, $4.5 billion, and $10.7 billion by 2030, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Ashley Clarke, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Head injuries are often more difficult to detect than a laceration or broken bone, and, in some cases, won’t present symptoms until long after the initial injury. Additionally, if an athlete begins playing before a head injury is healed, they risk repeated brain injury, which increases the risk of chronic life-altering or life-threatening complications.”

Medical emergencies such as brain bleeds and swelling have well-established neurosurgical treatments, but there are fewer options for athletes with delayed symptoms. Repetitive brain injury can also result in chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which progresses to exhibit symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease (impacting memory, mood, confusion, and thinking) and Parkinson’s disease (tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness). Preliminary studies have shown that neuromodulation has potential to be used to treat sport-related traumatic brain injury—in particular deep brain stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation used to treat neurological conditions.

Clarke continues: “Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are complex conditions with few treatment options and no cure. The same can be said for patients suffering chronic symptoms from brain trauma. The global population is ageing, and the burden of these chronic conditions on the healthcare system is increasing. Neurological research for earlier diagnosis and improved treatments are options, but it is also important to ensure player safety through regulation and practice.”

The ability to freely substitute one player in the event of a suspected concussion, termed the Additional Permanent Concussion Substitution (APCS), will debut as a part of FIFA in 2022. This rule has previously been adopted by The Premier League, Football Association, and English Football League, and will help to reduce repeated injury and promote player safety.