What is the term for a serious sports injury that can involve brain or spinal cord damage?

The term for a serious sports injury that can involve brain or spinal cord damage is known as a catastrophic injury. This type of injury typically has severe, long-lasting consequences and can result in significant impairment or long-term disability. These injuries are often life-threatening and can deeply affect an athlete's ability to participate in sports and perform everyday activities.

Catastrophic injuries are distinguished by their potential to cause severe structural damage to critical parts of the body, particularly in high-impact sports. This distinguishes them from other types of injuries such as acute injuries, which are sudden and occur in response to a specific incident; chronic injuries, which develop gradually over time often due to repetitive stress; and overuse injuries, which arise from excessive use of a particular body part without adequate recovery time. In the context of sports, understanding catastrophic injuries is crucial for injury prevention and management protocols.