punch-drunk syndrome

A neurological disorder commonly caused by repeated blows to the head in contact sports such as boxing. The victim becomes unsteady when standing, fatuous, euphoric, voluble when speaking, and even aggressive. Memory and intellect may become impaired and, in advanced cases, may lead to chronic headaches and seizures. Punch-drunk syndrome has also been recognized among American footballers, rugby players, and wrestlers.

A condition seen in boxers and alcoholics, caused by repeated cerebral concussions and characterized by weakness in the lower limbs, unsteadiness of gait, slowness of muscular movements, hand tremors, hesitancy of speech, and mental dullness.