Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is an untreatable neurodegenerative disease that is a long-term consequence of head trauma. This trauma can result from single or multiple head injuries. CTE is usually discovered only during an autopsy, making it difficult to estimate the number of athletes suffering from this disease. When examined, the brains of those who suffered CTE injuries are characterized by the degeneration of tissue and the accumulation of tau proteins. CTE has been closely tied to athletes who participate in martial arts, boxing, wrestling, rodeo riding or playing football, hockey, rugby, lacrosse and other contact sports that involve repeated brain trauma. CTE has also been found in military servicemembers who have experienced blast injuries and those suffering from old age. Individuals with CTE often show symptoms that are similar to Alzheimer’s disease such as motor skill and memory loss, aggression, confusion and depression. These symptoms can progress to Parkinsonian symptoms and usually appear years or decades after head trauma.

Physicians say that eliminating CTE injuries from contact sports will be extremely difficult. Even though safety equipment has greatly improved over the years, doctors say it is impossible to prevent or cushion the brain from impacting the skull during contact, which can occur in training and during practices just as it does in games. They claim the cumulative effect of these injuries is also very worrisome since most adult athletes have been playing sports since their youth. Studies suggest that a season-long succession of small hits, none hard enough to cause disorientation or draw medical attention, may prompt changes in the brain that cause problems with memory, mood or mental performance in later years.

Pending Legislation: S.205 - Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2023
Sponsor: Sen. Richard Durbin (IL)
Status: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Chair: Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT)