Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is an
increasingly degenerative disease of the brain, which is found in individuals
who have been subjected to repetitive traumatic head injuries, such as
concussions. Concussions occur when the head is hit so hard that the brain
strikes against the skull, causing trauma to the brain tissue. CTE can occur within
a short period from the time of the injury or make take several years before
symptoms of memory loss, aggression, confusion, and depression start to appear
and can only be fully diagnosed post mortem.
Dr. Bennet Omalu, a neuropathologist and
a forensic pathologist, found evidence of CTE in five former American football
players, and since 2008, eleven additional players have been diagnosed with
CTE. The 2010 autopsy of Owen Thomas, a 21 year old lineman, made him the
youngest amateur football player to be diagnosed with CTE. Last year, Dave
Duerson committed suicide and left a note requesting that his brain be tested
for CTE and his autopsy confirmed the presence of the disease. The latest
casualty of CTE may be Junior Seau, a 20 year veteran of professional football
and the most recent alleged suicide among players.
Medical Malpractice Law News Brought To You By www.HaskelLaw.com
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