Learn about CTE and the impact of head trauma

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Within the brain, there are proteins called TAU. These proteins are what support the brain’s microtubules, within the axons, which make up the neurons that are responsible for sending signals throughout the brain and body. When the brain suffers an impact, these fragile microtubules can break. When breakage occurs, the formerly supportive TAU proteins become detached, and they misfold, which means they can no longer function properly. After some TAU start this process, others follow, spreading like a virus. What essentially is happening is that the brain is losing is structural support for the very pieces that allow it to communicate and function. This is the start of brain's degeneration due to CTE.

Simple answer: not alone. Concussions are certainly a contributing factor to CTE, but they are absolutely not the sole cause. CTE is a result of the cumulative force of hits to the head, regardless of if that force was concussive. This is a common misconception around the development of CTE, and it is very important to remember that even if your athlete has been cleared for a concussion, their brains have still suffered damage that has the potential to become a more glaring issue in the future.

CTE can only be diagnosed in a post mortem analysis of the brain at this time. While it can only be declared with certainty after death, doctors or those who specialize in neurology can examine a patient's behavioral and cognitive changes, as well as consider their history of head trauma to judge their likelihood of having CTE.

CTE research in high schoolers is limited because of the fact that it can only be determined after death. However, most notably discovered in young athletes is substantial neuron depletion, which occurs with CTE as well. Scientists have also asserted that significant brain damage without the presence of CTE is possible, and it is often occurring in these young athlete's brains. One specific study though, revealed the presence of CTE in 41%, almost half, of contact sport athletes under 30, so this begins to illustrate an estimate in this group.

A larger setting being college or the NFL, there is a multitude of studies examining former football players brains. Some have found up to 97% CTE prevalence, and other only 25%. We can look at these numbers and deduce that the actual number in the general population of former football players lies somewhere in middle. It should be noted, though, that the majority of studies display CTE on the higher end of these two numbers, so the real percentage is likely closer to the maximum of 97. Aside from CTE's prevalence, those with CTE drastically increase their likelihood of developing dementia, up to a 75% risk with stage four CTE.

No, there is no cure for CTE at this time. There are merely ways to attempt to slow progression and improve overall brain function.

Rather than attempt to treat CTE itself, symptoms such as depression or mood fluctuations are treated instead to improve a patient's quality of life and attempt to give them a longer period of maximum neurological function. This can be done through cognitive therapies, some medications such as mood-stabilizers, or occupational therapy. Unfortunately, there are limited ways to treat CTE itself due to its progressive nature and a lack of knowledge surrounding its stoppage.

By limiting the brain's exposure to hits. As CTE develops because of the brain's increased absorption of hits, whether it be limiting full-contact practices, utilizing different tackling techniques, or wearing protection equipment to absorb force, anything done to limit how much the brain takes on is how to help a contact sport athlete lessen their risk.

While there are plenty of numbers representing the amount of former NFL players with CTE (a minimum of one out of four or a maximum of 97% in different studies),  determining the precise risk for young athletes developing CTE is not a concrete number. It depends on years playing, how many hits they took, and the force behind them.  The risk for development is not universal, but for every player whose brain experiences collision the risk for CTE is present. No one is immune.

Awareness is the key to progress. By simply having the knowledge of what you or your child is subjected to, you can begin to make informed decisions on how to keep them safer, and grasp a greater understanding of what they might be experiencing mentally so you can support them.

Safety and support are empowered by the information availed to us. Thank you for taking on the responsibility of educating yourself or your family today.