What is (CTE) Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?

[DrB]

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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive concussions. CTE has been known to affect boxers since the 1920s. However, a number of recently published reports confirmed a number of scenarios where CTE existed in retired professional football players and wrestlers who have a history of head trauma. This trauma, which includes multiple concussions, triggers progressive degeneration of the brain tissue, including the build-up of an abnormal protein called tau. These changes in the brain can begin months, years, or even decades after the last concussion or end of active athletic involvement. The brain degeneration is associated with memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, paranoia, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia. (Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy)

One example is Chris Henry, the former Cincinnati Bengals receiver, who was recently identified as the first NFL player to have died with trauma-induced brain damage while still being an active member of the league. Henry died back in December 2009 during a domestic dispute when he fell from the back of a pickup truck driven by his fiancée.

Evidence of an individual with CTE can only be detected by examining brain tissue after death. Therefore, testing on current players is not an option in order to determine if other current NFL players have CTE and other serious forms of brain damage.

[jojo]

Hey DrB thanks for the insert. However I'd like to add just a little more information; according to an article published in the January 28, 2009 Los Angeles Times, six (6) brain biopsies were performed on deceased NFL players between the ages of 25 and 50. Each of those biopsies revealed CTE. All six men suffered from emotional and behavioural problems. One of those players was Tom McHale.

Brain concussions have been defined as a jarring of the brain against the inside of the skull, causing a short-lived loss of some brain function, and, in football, the treatment for it has been to rest for up to seven days before returning to the playing field. With the finding that CTE is caused by concussions, it completely changes how teams and players should look at how long a person should refrain from playing.

[Tomas1]

Great article. Emotional and behavioral problems in my opinion are amongst the most difficult pieces to live and deal with - from a family members perspective. Love your article, keep up the great work.

[Jaquily]

I couldn't agree more....