The Disease That Has Haunted Sports Players for Years: CTE
Dive into the mysterious world of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a chilling consequence of repeated head impacts in sports. Explore its elusive detection, the battle for prevention, and the urgent need for safety measures to safeguard athletes' brains.
Alvin Li
April 28, 2024, 12:23 a.m. ET
CTE
One disorder that has come under intense
spotlight due to its link with recurrent head
impacts and concussions is Chronic Traumatic
Encephalopathy (CTE). This disease entails
the slow buildup of anomalous proteins in the
brain that brings about mass killing of brain
cells and degeneration of brain tissue over an
extensive period. In distinction from acute
traumatic brain injuries, whose symptoms are
prompt and particular, CTE may manifest
long after many years have gone by post the
primary trauma.
Effects
A cognitive condition in CTE that is a
negative consequence to this dynamic injury.
They have impairments with memory, loss of
judgement and confusion— as well as
difficulty concentrating. It has been linked
with an array of changes including behavior
plus mood which are usually difficult to deal
with by both the individual affected and
those surrounding him or her. Symptoms
commonly include irritability and aggression,
impulsivity, depression, as well as anxiety.
When it progresses to more advanced phases,
CTE can trigger motor impairments that
mimic those seen in other neurodegenerative
conditions like Parkinson's— which involves
tremors and an inability to effectively
coordinate one's movements together with
complications walking or standing upright.
Moreover, research has implied a substantial
link between CTE and heightened tendencies
towards harboring suicidal thoughts or
engaging in such behaviors.
CTE detection continues being notably
elusive. Only upon death can CTE be
conclusively identified posthumously by means
of studying brain tissues
Prevention
It is crucial that athletes, coaches, parents and healthcare
professionals are aware of the risks related to recurrent head
injuries. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of concussions
and other traumatic brain injuries is key to early intervention—
decreasing chances for re-injury later.
In addition, the adoption of changes in rules and safety
precautions in contact sports can contribute to reducing the
frequency of head traumas. This involves no leniency on those
engaging in dangerous play through strict penalties; fairness
and safety of competition should be promoted, including
emphasizing the correct technique during training as well as
actual gameplay.
The use of helmets and mouthguards can be taken as a
preventive measure to ensure that injuries don't happen, such as
head injuries. The protective equipment must fit well and needs
to be checked often for any damage since they should comply
with the safety standards set by authorized organizations.
These measures are only some of the many ways CTE can be
prevented. It is encouraged that readers research the different
ways this degenerative brain disease can be stopped.