Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative disease that effects the brain and believed to be caused by repeated head trauma resulting in large accumulations of tau proteins, killing cells in regions responsible for mood, emotions, and executive functioning.http://www.sportsmd.com/Articles/id/44/cid/1/n/chronic_traumatic_encephalopathy.aspx The chronic injuries sustained by repeated and untreated concussions has shown to damage the brain over time. http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_10980
Numerous former professional athletes, particularly former National Football League players are believed to have had this disease, however the NFL denies the validity of the research on CTE.http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_10980
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that may be found in those suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy may include:http://www.sportsmd.com/Articles/id/44/cid/1/n/chronic_traumatic_encephalopathy.aspx
- Cognitive impairment
- Dementia
- Depression
- Memory loss
- [[Struggling with concentration or attention
- Disoriented or the feeling of lost
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Speaking problems
- Loss of hearing, sight or other senses
Notable Athletes Believed to Have CTE
- Mike Webster, NFL player, died on September 24, 2002 from a heart attack after suffering from severe depression and dementia, becoming a drug user and homeless.
- Terry Long, NFL player, committed suicide June 7, 2005 by drinking anti-freeze after struggle with severe depression.
- Andre Waters, NFL player, committed suicide November 20, 2006 by gunshot wound after suffering from depression.
- Justin Strzelczyk, NFL player, died on September 30, 2004 from crashing his car after a high speed chase by the police.
- Chris Benoit, Professional wrestler, committed suicide after murdering his wife and child.
- Ted Johnson, NFL player, suffering symptoms consistent with CTE.
- Gene Atkins, NFL player, suffering symptoms consistent with CTE.
- Kyle Turley, NFL player, retired in 2009, suffering symptoms consistent with CTE.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in NFL Players
This video clip is news story, covering the brain injuries and trauma suffered by players in the NFL. The reporters and representatives featured in this clip discuss the story further. There has been some debate as to whether the injuries sustained regularly by players, has led to unhealthy brain function such as seen with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
-
First identified
2002 by Bennet Omalu (study published in 2005)
-
Symptoms
Similar to those found in Alzheimer's Disease such as dementia, dizziness and confusion
-
Diagnosis
The only method of diagnosing CTE is by studying the brain's tissue under a microscope
-
Cause
Repetitive head injuries and mistreated concussions
-
Treatment
There is not known treatment as the disease is not found until it has resulted in the athletes death
