CTE is detrimental to the well-being of athletes. Despite this revelation, there is no known cure and a lack of development regarding the implications of this condition. Therefore, the objective of this study is to uncover how, despite the rigorous symptoms of this disease, the public lacks crucial knowledge of CTE and the necessary treatments to ease the conditions' horrific symptoms. The number of kids who have enrolled in sports has been on a tremendous incline at 26.8 million children participating in physical activity, making up 53.8 percent of children aged 6 to 17 (USAFacts Team, 2024). Nonetheless, countless individuals' engagement in bodily contact sports is the prime reason they suffer from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which has led to mental instability inflicted upon fellow athletes, thus taking a toll on their personal lives and loved ones
Symptoms of CTE
The disease, also known as CTE, has been inflicted on athletes who partake in sports that result in repeated blows to the head, such as boxing and football. The brain disease has “been found in the brains of more than 320 former NFL players,” with approximately “24 players who died in their 20s and 30s” (Shpigel, 2022). The disease results in
“death of nerve cells in the brain, known as degeneration” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2023), which gradually generates symptoms found in individuals diagnosed with CTE. Degeneration is due to the culmination of substantial injuries to the head, which results in physical as well as mental alterations to an athlete’s well-being. For instance, CTE has triggered “Mood disturbances” such as “anxiety, aggression, …depression…Impulsive or erratic behavior, [and] Suicidal thoughts” (Catanese, 2024). Well, renowned middle-aged athletes have behaved irrationally due to the implementation of the disease. For example, athletes such as Junior Seau, Waters, and Dave Duerson were victims of suicide due to the symptoms of the brain disease (Shpigel, 2021). In addition, young athlete Joven Belcher, who was known for his prominent role as a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, killed his girlfriend before shooting himself soon after (Shpigel, 2022). Thus, the symptoms of a disease heavily inflicted upon athletes have resulted in their demise due to the extremities of physical contact in the course of involvement in the sport.
CTE’s Lack of Recognition
Regardless of the importance of shedding light on this disease and its life-altering symptoms, CTE has been concealed from the public and has been kept under wraps by corporations such as the NFL, who fail to acknowledge the disease and its fearful implications (Shipgel, 2022). The NFL’s strive to maintain the positive image football has cultivated has led to the denial and failure to recognize a disease that has impacted numerous athletes and continues to do so. The inability to acknowledge CTE has significantly derailed research regarding the disease, which has resulted in under 50 cases confirmed in 75 years (Concussion Legacy Foundation, 2024). The lack of global identification has led to numerous misdiagnosed instances of individuals who suffered from CTE, such as classifying their illness as Alzheimer's (Khan et al., 2019).
Treatments
Unfortunately, CTE has no cure. However, there are treatments diagnosed individuals can take to lessen the amplification of any symptoms. CTE can result in symptoms such as
“severe memory loss, impaired judgment, and progressive dementia” (Rodrigez, 2024). These symptoms can progress to severe outcomes such as suicide, mental health issues, and violent behaviors. Nonetheless, therapies, medications, and supportive measures can all play a part in the healing process of diagnosed athletes. Furthermore, diverse treatment options have become available to aid with the specific symptoms of each athlete. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy “helps manage mood swings, depression, and anxiety,” whereas speech therapy “assists with communication difficulties” and physical therapy “aids in maintaining motor skills and balance” (Focus Medica, 2023). Medication is another form of aid, such as taking antidepressants if deemed necessary. In addition, implementing new ways to reduce stress, as well as communicating with individuals struggling with CTE, has been presumed to be a beneficial form of treatment (Concussion Legacy Foundation, 2024).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study illustrates that the global recognition of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy will result in professional athletes obtaining a better understanding of the risks and implications of their participation in high physical contact sports. The lives of these athletes are at risk of mental and physical symptoms that have long-term effects on their lives as well as their family, colleagues, and work. Therefore, the risks of CTE, as well as awareness of past tragedies, must be globally acknowledged to realize the long-lasting effects high-contact sports may inflict.
Written by: N.C
Work Cited
Catanese, L. (2024, March 28). What is CTE? understanding chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-is-cte-understanding-chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy
Concussion Legacy Foundation. (2024). What is CTE? https://concussionfoundation.org/CTE-resources/what-is-CTE#:~:text=CTE%20was%20first%20described%20in%201928%2C%20when%20Dr.,trauma%2C%20but%20fewer%20than%2050%20cases%20were%20confirmed.
Focus Medica. (2023). Chronic traumatic encephalopathy. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/condition/Chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy/hp-Chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy?source=conditioncdx.
Khan, S., Kurup, M., Shakkour, Z., & Reslan, M. A. (2019, July 17). CTE: The hidden risk of playing contact sports. Frontiers for Young Minds. https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2019.00093#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20symptoms%20associated%20with
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, August 26). Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
Rodrigez, A. (2024, February 1). Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in Athletics. Information, resources and guides on Traumatic Brain Injury. https://tbi.com/cte-in-athletics/
Shpigel, B. (2022, July 5). What to know about C.T.E. in football. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/article/cte-definition-nfl.html
USAFacts Team. (2024, March 21). Are fewer kids playing sports?. USAFACTS. https://usafacts.org/articles/are-fewer-kids-playing-sports/#:~:text=The%20NSCH%20found%20that%20an%20estimated%2053.8%25%20of,form%20of%20sports%20while%2023.0%20million%20did%20not.
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