CTE: The silent killer of athletes and veterans
ST. JOSEPH, Mo (KQTV) -- There are multiple sports that can bring a big neurological risk to several athletes all around the world.
Sports like football, soccer, rugby and boxing are all very entertaining pastimes for their audiences.
However, there is a massive risk for these athletes when taking to the field, the longer they stay in these sports.
The condition is a degenerative brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (VTE), which is caused by repeated hits to the head over an extended period of time.
"It's not just a concussion; it is the result of not even a concussion, but just minor hits to the head," Physical Therapist Fred Shonkwiler said. "You don't have to have a concussion to get CTE later on in life."
Side effects of CTE include memory loss, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and, in severe cases, dementia.
"Be aware that mood and behavioral changes are often the first signs of CTE," Shonkwiler said. "If you or a loved one is having unsuspected mood changes and have a history of getting hit in the head, seek help and medical attention."
"It's not always the kid that had three major concussions that had significant symptoms that lasted a long time," Northwest Missouri State Athletic Trainer Chapin Yourison said. "It's some of those small repetitive blows to the head or whiplash mechanisms over time that can damage brain tissue and lead to CTE."
Unfortunately, there is no way to diagnose CTE while a patient is living.
However, doctors said there are several ways to get ahead of CTE before the disease affects the patients later on in life.
Several different football programs are beginning to change when tackle football is allowed for younger athletes.
"I think it's important to teach a younger kid how to use their body, how to control their body before we put them into a full-contact type of sport," Yourison said.
"Medical doctors can use a variety of means in the psychology world to help somebody who experiences behavioral issues and cognitive issues," Shonkwiler said.
It is recommended to see a neuroscientist, who can work with the patient with their specific needs while dealing with CTE.
