Concussions May Cause Long Lasting Brain Injury
Research in Boston Looking at Brain Damage in Former NFL Players
Sep 15, 2009
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University’s School of Medicine is currently researching the effects of multiple concussions on the brains of former NFL players to determine if there is a correlation between football and permanent brain injury.
It is well known that permanent physiological changes have occurred in the brains of aging boxers. The same phenomenon is now being seen in former NFL football players. Although many questions are yet unanswered, finding a correlation between football players and permanent physiological changes in the brain would be a significant finding in the field of sports medicine.
The condition is called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.). It is a progressive condition in the brain that “results from repetitive head trauma and can bring on dementia in people in their 40s and 50s” (Schwarz, A., New York Times, January 27, 2009).
Evidence Reveals Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Researchers at Boston studied the brains of six former N.F.L. players between the ages or 36 and 50. All six showed evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Because this condition is rare in the general population, the initial evidence showed a strong link between the sport of football and C.T.E.
According to an article in the Los Angeles Times (September 15, 2009), dozens of former NFL players have already agreed to donate their brains after death to the on-going research at Boston University. The article also revealed that three current players have announced that they will donate their brains and spinal cords to the same research.
The players who have agreed to donate their brains to this research project include Matt Birk of the Baltimore Ravens, Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks and Sean Morey of the Arizona Cardinals.
Controversy Between Researchers and NFL
The controversy continues between the NFL and physicians as to whether there can be long lasting brain damage in football players who have sustained repeated concussive injuries. The advocates of this statement believe that there is strong enough evidence already in the findings of the six former NFL players studied.
Opponents question the validity of the findings because the researchers only have evidence from six former athletes. Regardless of people’s opinions on the subject, it is clear that there is a potential correlation between repetitive brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and football.
What is known is that the NFL created the "88 Plan" to care for former players who suffer from dementia. The plan was named after NFL star John Mackey who currently suffers from severe dementia. Dementia is one of the outward symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The plan was created to provide finances to families of those who suffer from this disorder.
The goal for the research program at Boston University is to study at least 100 brains. The dilemma is that it will take years to accomplish this goal and football players will continue to sustain concussive injuries.
Research Questions
Continued research will provide answers to some probing questions including:
- Is there a definite correlation between C.T.E. and professional football players?
- Is there any correlation between C.T.E. in football players and their positions (linebackers versus quarterbacks versus receivers)?
- Is there any correlation between C.T.E. in football players and the severity and/or the number of concussions?
- Is there any correlation between C.T.E. in football players and the length of time a player competed in the NFL?
In the meantime, more education needs to be provided to athletes and coaches of all levels as to the signs and symptoms of concussion, the appropriate management of a concussion, and the possible long term effects of multiple concussions.
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