Over the many years, I have blogged about concussions and closed head injuries resulting from football activities more than any other topic.
With high school football practices commencing across the country, I thought that the recent story on concussions in USA Today was very timely to say the least.
As the clinical evidence continues to pile up, it becomes very visible that head trauma from contact football—whether it is isolated or repeated in nature—has significant, permanent, debilitating effects.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a relatively “new” degenerative brain disease being researched primarily among deceased NFL players. More and more scientific research is being done to determine exactly what this disease can do to a person’s brain, especially those who play contact sports such as football or boxing.
A recent study released in a USA Today article is causing quite a ripple in the research field and among NFL players.
111 former professional football players donated their brains to research CTE and how repetitive closed head injuries can affect them.
Out of the 111 donated brains, 110 were diagnosed with CTE.
This research indicates the following:
- The leading cause of death, 47% of former players, was a neurodegenerative-related cause including symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease and dementia symptoms
- The most common cause of death among those studied was suicide
- 26 out of the 27 with mild CTE pathology results had behavioral issues before their death
- 89 % of the 84 participants with severe CTE pathology suffered behavioral/mood symptoms
Several common symptoms among those who have been diagnosed with CTE include:
- Memory loss
- Erratic or impulsive behavior
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Impaired judgement
- Difficulty with balance
While many of the studies revolve around football players, football is not the only occurrence that can cause CTE. Football is, however, one component in head injuries that can be avoided with proper education and protocols.
If my sons want to play football I would insist that they sit down with medical professionals that specialize exclusively in head trauma sports cases. I would hope that the clear and convincing evidence of the everlasting, debilitating consequences would deter them from participating.
I think it is morally irresponsible for a parent and/or coach not to do this with each and every player.
Over the last 40 Years I have developed a specialty in representing people and their families who have sustained permanent brain injuries whether, resulting from a traumatic birth injury or a work-related episode. If you need my help, call me and meet with me today to discuss your case.
As your Ohio injury attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities.” You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.
