Pittsburgh: Slap fighting, relatively new combat sport, is raising alarm among medical professionals due to the severe risk of brain injuries associated with the game.

Neurologists have reviewed footage from the first televised professional slap fighting contest in the United States and found that the likelihood of internal brain trauma is worryingly high. Slap fighting involves two individuals standing face to face, taking turns striking each other’s faces with open hands as hard as possible. The participants are not allowed to defend themselves or wear any protective gear on their heads, which adds to the risk of serious injuries. According to medical experts, the potential for neurological damage is substantial, and strategies need to be developed to prevent permanent brain damage.

Doctors have compared the injuries sustained in slap fighting to those seen in other contact sports, but with a greater emphasis on direct blows to the head. This has led to calls for stricter regulations and safety measures to be implemented to protect participants from long-term harm. Neurologists are urging authorities to take the risks seriously and to introduce methods to reduce the impact on the brain. With slap fighting gaining popularity, these concerns are becoming more pressing.