New Study Finds CTE in 87% of Former Football Players’ Brains

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease that can have serious and long-term consequences. A recent story in the Washington Post reported on a new research study, which examined the link between playing high school, college, and professional football and developing CTE. The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that nearly 90% of former high school, college, and NFL players’ brains – 177 out of 202 – showed signs of the disease. The research shows that football players have an increased risk of developing CTE.

Dr. Ann McKee, the neuropathologist who examined the brains of ex-football players, said in the Post story of CTE, “I think it’s much more common than we currently realize. And more importantly, this is a problem in football that we need to address and we need to address now to bring some hope and optimism to football players.”

The brains that were studied were donated to research because the individuals had shown troubling symptoms of CTE before they died, and the researchers readily admit that the study has a significant selection bias. Still, the numbers speak for themselves. The New York Times reports:

“But 110 positives remain significant scientific evidence of an N.F.L. player’s risk of developing C.T.E., which can be diagnosed only after death. About 1,300 former players have died since the B.U. group began examining brains. So even if every one of the other 1,200 players had tested negative — which even the heartiest skeptics would agree could not possibly be the case — the minimum C.T.E. prevalence would be close to 9 percent, vastly higher than in the general population.”

The effects of CTE on non-NFL players

While former NFL players are given most of the attention in the study, there is reason for concern for high school, college and semi-professional players as well. As ESPN explains, “48 of 53 college players; nine of 14 semi-professional players; seven of eight Canadian Football League players; and three of 14 high school players” all displayed signs of CTE. The study states that the level of severity rose with the type of play; thus, all former high school players displayed some mild pathology, whereas college, semi-professional and professional players displayed severe pathologies.

Symptoms of CTE

Caused by repeated head trauma, CTE is found in members of the military and contact sport player of football, hockey, soccer, wrestling, and many other sports. The symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy can include:

• Memory loss
• Impulse control problems
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Aggression
• Apathy
• Suicidal thoughts
• Progressive dementia

(Washington Post)

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, our Atlanta brain injury attorneys understand the devastation a traumatic brain injury diagnosis can cause for you and your family. We are here to represent your interests and to fight for the compensation you need. You are welcome to phone our Atlanta office at 404-961-7650 or our Savannah office at 912-651-9967, or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.