Ronda Rousey says Cleveland Clinic offered alternative explanation for symptoms

Ronda Rousey told The Jim Rome Show that specialists at the Cleveland Clinic suggested migraine-related events may explain many of her concussion-like episodes, and she says she has begun preventive medication; the California State Athletic Commission still requires medical testing before licensing fighters for the May 16 bout.

Ronda Rousey discussed recent concussion-like episodes as part of her return to competition and said she sought evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. She described headaches, temporary vision loss and slowed thinking during light sparring. According to Rousey, clinic specialists reviewed scans and her history and suggested many episodes may reflect migraine-related processes rather than a new structural brain injury. She said the assessment brought relief and that she has started a preventive migraine medication. Key facts: - Rousey reported that Cleveland Clinic doctors evaluated her and suggested migraine aura could be triggering many of the symptoms she had been calling concussion-like episodes. - She said the clinic's scans showed no clear structural damage and that her family history includes migraines and epilepsy. - The California State Athletic Commission has stated that Rousey and Gina Carano must complete extensive medical testing before they can be licensed to compete on May 16 in Inglewood, California. Summary: Rousey said the Cleveland Clinic's assessment offered a different medical explanation for recurring symptoms and that she is trying a preventive medication she believes may reduce episodes. The athletic commission's required medical testing remains scheduled before licensing for the May 16 event.