Information on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) following the NYC shooting incident involving a suspect allegedly targeting the NFL headquarters.

News Article: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Its Link to Repeated Head Injuries

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that has been linked to repeated head injuries, particularly those common in former NFL players and other contact sport athletes [1][2]. This condition, which results from recurring brain trauma, typically caused by repeated blows to the head sustained over years of playing tackle football or similar contact sports, has been a topic of active study due to its association with suicide and suicidal ideation [1].

The connection between CTE and repeated head injuries in former NFL players is backed by key findings. For instance, postmortem studies found CTE in about 92% of examined brains of former NFL players (345 out of 376), demonstrating a strong association between playing professional football and developing CTE [2]. Furthermore, research indicates that the risk of developing CTE rises by approximately 30% for each additional year playing tackle football, with the risk doubling after approximately 2.6 years of play [2].

CTE leads to permanent nerve cell damage in the brain, causing progressive cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, emotional instability, motor difficulties, and in severe cases, dementia or motor neuron disease. Symptoms may manifest early (20s-30s) with mood and behavioral issues or later (around 60s) with cognitive decline [1][3].

At present, CTE cannot be diagnosed in living individuals; definitive diagnosis requires examination of brain tissue after death [3]. However, doctors may speculate that a patient has CTE based on noticeable changes in mood and behavior.

While CTE is prevalent in professionals, repeated subconcussive impacts and collisions in amateur sports also raise risks for brain decline and impulsive behaviors potentially related to CTE, even in those without a confirmed diagnosis [2].

In terms of treatment, there is no direct cure for CTE, but psychiatric medication can help manage behavioral control and other symptoms. Notably, former NFL player Phillip Adams was found to have severe CTE after he gunned down six people before taking his own life in South Carolina in 2021 [4].

CTE can affect anyone who sustains repeated head injuries, not just athletes. For instance, a single car accident that injures the frontal lobes of the brain can lead to permanent personality changes and impulse control issues [5].

Prevention is key in reducing the risk of CTE. Using seatbelts or helmets can lower the risk of head injury and brain injuries in general. As the NFL first acknowledged the link between CTE and football in 2016, ongoing efforts are being made to improve safety measures and reduce the risk of head injuries in the sport [6].

In conclusion, CTE is causally linked to repeated head trauma, particularly the repetitive impacts inherent to playing tackle football, with former NFL players exhibiting extraordinarily high rates of the disease. The duration and intensity of exposure to such trauma increase the likelihood of developing CTE and its serious long-term neurological and psychiatric consequences [1][2][3].

References: [1] McKee, A.C., et al., 2016. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in athletes: Progressive tau pathology and clinical features. Brain, 139(Pt 11), 2838-2850. [2] Omalu, B.I., et al., 2017. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in athletes and military veterans: Prevalence, neuropathology, clinical features, and evolution of the concept. Neurotherapeutics, 14(4), 837-850. [3] Gavett, B.C., et al., 2018. Clinical diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 89(3), 226-234. [4] Associated Press, 2021. Former NFL player Phillip Adams charged with murder in South Carolina shooting. NBC News. [Online]. Available: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-nfl-player-phillip-adams-charged-murder-south-carolina-shooting-n1268165 [5] Mayo Clinic, 2022. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). [Online]. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20368147 [6] NFL, 2016. NFL acknowledges link between football and CTE. ESPN. [Online]. Available: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/16349359/nfl-acknowledges-link-between-football-cte

The link between repeated head injuries and health-and-wellness issues such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is particularly evident in sports like American football, especially in the NFL, and other contact sports.
Fitness-and-exercise activities that involve repetitive head impacts, such as tackle football, have been identified as risk factors for the development of CTE, with research suggesting a 30% increase in risk for each additional year of play.
Mental-health problems, including impulsive behavior, emotional instability, and even suicidal ideation, have been associated with CTE, which can cause permanent nerve cell damage in the brain over time.
Sports analysis has shown that CTE is not exclusive to professional athletes; even amateur sports with repeated subconcussive impacts can lead to brain decline and related impulsive behaviors, regardless of a confirmed diagnosis.
In a preventive measure to reduce the risk of CTE, safety measures in sports like the NFL, which first acknowledged the link between CTE and football in 2016, are being improved, with the emphasis on reducing head injuries through equipment like helmets and seatbelts.

Information on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) following the NYC shooting incident involving a suspect allegedly targeting the NFL headquarters.