Research released earlier in 2009 from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) reported that Tom McHale (nine-year NFL veteran) was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy when he died at age 45 in 2008.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Defined
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease caused by head trauma. Originally diagnosed in boxers, this disorder is now being seen in other athletes. Its neuropathology is similar to Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms include memory impairment, emotional instability, erratic behavior, depression, and problems with impulse control (Los Angeles Times, January 28, 2009).
A biopsy of McHale’s brain revealed CTE. Six other brain biopsies were undertaken on deceased NFL players between the ages of 25 and 50. Each of the biopsies revealed CTE. All six men suffered from emotional and behavioral problems (Los Angeles Times, January 28, 2009).
McHale died of an accidental drug overdose after years battling addiction. Two others biopsied died from suicide.
Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy
According to an article posted by Gina DiGravio, Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy Announces New Findings, the NFL created the 88 Plan to “provide families of former players who suffer from some form of dementia with money to support their care” (January 27, 2009). The plan was named after former NFL star John Mackey’s jersey number. Mackey played for the Colts in the 1960s and 1970s and suffers from severe dementia.
To further the research in brain studies of NFL players, four members of the 88 Plan have agreed to donate their brains to Boston University School of Medicine upon death. Along with 88 Plan donors, other retired NFL players have agreed to join the study.
The purpose will be to examine the brains of 88 Plan members to determine if there is a correlation between their dementia and chronic brain injury sustained during their sports participation. Although the results of their research will take time, plenty of anecdotal evidence exists to support the fact that retired professional athletes are suffering from the effects of brain injury (Brain Damage From A Game, USA Today, May 28, 2009).
Degenerative Brain Changes in 18 Year-Old with History of Multiple Concussions
Of note in the literature is the report of an 18 year old male whose brain showed evidence of the beginnings of brain damage that may lead to CTE (Smith, S., January 27, 2009). The young athlete was a multiple-sport athlete who suffered multiple concussions. He is the youngest athlete to date.
Brain degeneration may be expected to be seen in retired NFL players, but evidence of brain changes in an 18 year-old should be a wake-up call to all athletes, parents, and people associated with sports.
The message that recurrent concussions may lead to permanent neurological changes in the brain resulting in permanent clinical behavioral symptoms needs to be communicated to athletes and parents at all levels of sports.
Proper Recognition and Management of Concussions
The days of taking concussions lightly and ignoring the symptoms to stay in the game need to be over. Athletes, parents, coaches, and athletic administrators need to be educated as to the signs and symptoms of concussion as well as the appropriate management of concussion.
Sacrificing athletes for the sake of sport is not an acceptable practice. With knowledge comes responsibility. Those involved in sports at all levels need to pay attention and take steps to protect athletes from the effects of recurrent concussions through proper recognition and management of concussions.
Terry Zeigler - Educating through writing with over twenty-five years of experience as a Kinesiology Professor and Certified Athletic Trainer.
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