Rethinking Toughness: Neurotrauma and the Future of Men’s Health
As we mark ‘Movember’, a time to reflect on men’s health, I’m reminded of how our perspectives evolve over time. Traditionally, men’s health awareness has focused on prostate exams, testicular cancer, and encouraging men to seek help for physical and mental health concerns. These remain vital, but emerging challenges demand our attention, especially those linked to brain health and injury prevention.
In my clinical career, I’ve worked extensively in neurotrauma rehabilitation, helping individuals relearn how to walk or adapt to life with wheelchairs or prosthetics following brain or spinal cord injuries. These experiences have shaped my belief that we must shift from reactive care to proactive prevention. For men, this means rethinking cultural norms around toughness, particularly in contact sports, where playing through head impacts is often glorified, even when it risks long-term brain damage.
Neurotrauma refers to injuries to the brain or spinal cord, often caused by trauma, stroke, or illness. It’s increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of men’s health, especially given the prevalence of head injuries in male-dominated sports. Advances in technology now allow us to monitor and mitigate these risks from an early age, potentially reducing the incidence of conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
At Edinburgh Napier University, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brilliant colleagues like Fiona Kerr in Applied Sciences to develop a grant exploring neuro plasma biomarkers in individuals with a history of contact sport exposure. This research aims to uncover biological indicators of brain injury and inform safer sporting practices. I also work with ENU alumnus Euan Bowen, founder of HIT—a company developing wearable tech to monitor head impacts and cumulative load, helping athletes avoid concussions and long-term damage.
My academic focus now includes youth head injury, particularly concussions and sub-concussive impacts. Despite growing awareness, the culture of sport still often rewards perseverance through injury over prevention. This mindset is harmful and outdated. With stronger evidence linking repetitive head impacts to neurologic disease, we must advocate for change.
This Movember, let’s expand the conversation around men’s health to include brain health and injury prevention. By challenging harmful norms and embracing innovation, we can protect the well-being of men—and women—across the lifespan.
Written by: Dr Michael Leavitt, Lecturer and Physiotherapy Program Leader