The Concussion Legacy Foundation recently announced the results of a study from the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank that found that former players from more than 100 college football programs were diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. The results confirm the message that the CLF has been promoting for years; that all football players, at all levels, are at risk of the developing the neuro-degenerative disease. Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the CLF, told USA Today, “This information is being released to raise awareness that CTE is not just an issue for professional football players. The data should not be interpreted to say that players from these schools are at greater risk than other college players. Instead, the data shows the widespread reach of this disease, and the commitment by the alumni and their families of these schools to support CTE research by participating in brain donation.”
Knowing the signs of a concussion can help your loved ones
Unfortunately, there is no test for CTE; the only way to confirm diagnosis is by brain dissection after death. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of concussion can potentially save players and their families from the effects of CTE. The disease is more likely to develop in those who suffer repeated head trauma, and is exacerbated by not allowing that trauma to fully heal before another injury occurs. Knowing these signs and symptoms can keep players on the sidelines until it’s safe to be on the field again:-
- Headache or neck pain
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- Nausea, tinnitus, dizziness, or tiredness
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- Feeling dazed or not your normal self
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- Trouble walking or sleeping
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- Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
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- Repeated vomiting or nausea
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- Confusion
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- Slurred Speech
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- Seizure