Based on research, retrospective studies and anecdotal clinical evidence, the 10 most common brain injuries that boxers suffer from are as follows:

Both Mike Tyson & Jake Paul have already suffered neurological injury as fighters. Jake Paul reportedly has had significant trauma to his Prefrontal Cortex region of the brain, and the extent of Mike Tyson’s injuries may be incalculable. Tonight, both men will be paid tens of millions of dollars to risk their lives in the ring. As a chiropractor, I have worked with at least a dozen boxers over the past 22 years and far greater numbers of martial artists and MMA fighters. The dangers are real and imminent.

1. Concussions
Concussions are the most frequently reported brain injury in boxing. They occur when a blow to the head causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to temporary loss of normal brain function[2][6]. The more concussions one has, the more likely they are to have another one. They often have cumulative effects, leading to greater and greater brain damage.

2. Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTBI)
Approximately 20% of professional boxers develop CTBI from repeated blows to the head over time. This can lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, and other neurological issues[4]. You’ve heard about CTBI’s in football, but the risk among boxers is very high.

3. Subdural Hematoma
This is a more severe form of brain injury that can occur in boxing, involving bleeding between the brain and the skull[1].

4. Cerebral Contusion
These are bruises on the brain tissue, often resulting from strong impacts to the head.

5. Diffuse Axonal Injury
This occurs when the brain moves inside the skull, causing widespread damage to nerve fibers.

6. Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Bleeding within the brain tissue itself can occur due to severe impacts.

7. Second Impact Syndrome
This dangerous condition can occur when a boxer suffers a second concussion before fully recovering from a previous one.

8. Brain Stem Injuries
While less common, severe impacts can potentially damage the brain stem, leading to serious neurological consequences.

9. Dementia Pugilistica
This is the severe form of CTBI, also known as “punch-drunk syndrome,” which can develop over a boxer’s career due to cumulative brain trauma[4].

10. Cerebral Microhemorrhages
These are tiny bleeds in the brain that may not cause immediate symptoms but can contribute to long-term neurological issues.

It’s important to note that the severity and frequency of these injuries can vary greatly depending on factors such as the boxer’s experience level, protective equipment used, and the intensity of fights or training. The cumulative effect of repeated minor traumas to the brain, even without obvious symptoms, can lead to serious long-term consequences for boxers[2][4].

Dr. Lou sometimes boxes with his Boston terrier, Pixie. She usually wins. Athlete patients who have had brain injuries and others with neurological damage from head and neck injuries in car accidents and otherwise, often come to Dr. Lou’s office for help in their recovery. Scientific evidence suggests that both chiropractic and acupuncture are helpful after brain and nerve injuries. 

Citations:
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278591909000490
[2] https://clinchgear.com/blogs/news/how-common-are-head-injuries-in-boxing
[3] https://fittoplay.org/sports/boxing1/the-most-common-injuries/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10946737/
[5] https://activesafe.ca/boxing-and-kickboxing/
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2579447/