Head Injuries In NFL Football And Their Link To CTE

Head Injuries in NFL Football and their Link to CTE and Depression

Chappell 6tawanda Chappellpamela Rollinseng 130228 November 2018head I

Head injuries in NFL football are significant concerns due to the repeated trauma players endure during gameplay. Despite protective gear such as helmets and shoulder pads, football players remain vulnerable to head injuries arising from collisions on the field. Research indicates a strong correlation between such injuries and the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and depression, particularly among retired NFL athletes.

Studies reveal that over 90% of brains of deceased NFL players donated for research show signs of CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease linked to repetitive head trauma. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective preventive and diagnostic measures to address the long-term health consequences faced by players.

Understanding the Link: CTE and Head Injuries

The National Research Council describes CTE as a brain disorder caused by repeated blows to the head, which lead to a series of pathological changes within the brain tissue. These impacts cause acceleration and deceleration forces resulting in coup and contrecoup injuries, with symptoms including concussions and even loss of consciousness (Carroll, 264). Over time, improperly managed brain trauma causes tau protein oligomerization, leading to neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt normal neuronal communication and contribute to cognitive decline (Carroll, 197).

Repetitive head trauma causes various brain injuries, including concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracranial hematomas, and cerebral contusions, all of which increase the risk of developing CTE. Concussions, considered mild TBI, can result in symptoms such as chronic pain, communication difficulties, fatigue, concentration problems, and mental impairments (Dambinova, 30). Persistent injuries lead to neurodegeneration, which is identifiable only post-mortem, complicating early diagnosis and intervention.

Head Injuries and the Psychological Consequences: Depression

Depression among former NFL players has been linked directly to brain injuries sustained during their careers. Ahmad (76) describes how brain alterations caused by trauma disrupt neurotransmitter levels, impairing mood regulation and leading to feelings of despair, worthlessness, and, in severe cases, suicidal tendencies. Statistical data suggest that about 40% of retired NFL players who experienced concussions exhibit mild depression symptoms (Ahmad, 76).

The persistent cognitive and mood disturbances caused by repeated concussions underscore the necessity of addressing mental health as part of players' post-career care. The relationship between head trauma and depression exemplifies the interconnectedness of physical injury and psychological health in athletes.

Strategies for Prevention and Management of CTE

Recognizing the gravity of the problem, experts advocate implementing stringent measures to minimize head injuries in football. Regular medical examinations and enforced recovery periods after concussions are essential to prevent exacerbation of brain damage (Carroll, 196). Ensuring players are fully recovered before returning to play reduces cumulative brain trauma, lowering the risk of developing CTE.

Advancements in diagnostic technologies offer promising avenues for early detection. The application of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with FDDNP tau ligands and magnetic resonance spectroscopy enables in-vivo visualization of tau pathology (Dambinova, 44). These biomarkers facilitate early diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and inform therapeutic interventions, shifting the paradigm from post-mortem diagnosis to proactive management.

Furthermore, organizational policies should mandate the use of protective equipment improvements and enforce rules to limit dangerous tackles. Education campaigns to raise awareness among players, coaches, and medical personnel about the importance of reporting symptoms can foster a culture attentive to brain health. Additionally, comprehensive concussion management protocols, including cognitive rest and gradual return to activity, are critical to safeguarding long-term health.

Role of Technology in Detection and Prevention

Emerging neurometabolic imaging modalities and blood-based biomarkers hold promise for early detection of brain trauma in living athletes. Collaboration among sports organizations, medical researchers, and technology developers is vital to refine these tools for routine screening (Dambinova, 44). The integration of such diagnostics into standard protocols can help identify at-risk players and tailor individualized management plans, significantly reducing long-term complications.

Conclusion

Although head injuries are an inherent risk in American football, especially at the professional level, their long-term consequences necessitate proactive measures. Regular screening, early diagnosis using advanced imaging and biomarkers, enforced recovery periods, and technological improvements in protective gear are essential strategies. These actions can effectively reduce the incidence of CTE and depression among retired athletes, ensuring their health and well-being after their careers end. The NFL and associated organizations bear responsibility for implementing these changes, fostering a safer sporting environment that prioritizes players’ neurological health.

References

• Ahmad, S. I. (2012). Neurodegenerative Diseases. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Carroll, V. S. (2014). League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 46.
• Dambinova, S. A., Hayes, R. L., & Wang, K. K. W. (2012). Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury. Royal Society of Chemistry.
• National Research Council. (2014). Sports-related Concussions in Youth: Improving the Science, Changing the Culture. National Academies Press.
• McKee, A. C., & Daneshvar, D. H. (2015). The Pathology of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Brain Pathology, 25(3), 350-364.
• Gavett, B. E., Stern, R. A., & McKee, A. C. (2011). Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Brief Review. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 11(4), 329-336.
• Montenigro, P. H., & McKee, A. C. (2018). Repetitive Head Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Neurodegeneration in Contact Sports. The Lancet Neurology, 17(10), 716-726.
• Guskiewicz, K. M., et al. (2007). Recurrent Concussion and Risk of Depression in Retired Professional Football Players. Medical Science & Sports & Exercise, 39(6), 903-905.
• Wilson, J. M., et al. (2014). Advances in Neuroimaging of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Concussion Syndrome. Neuropsychology Review, 24(3), 1-16.
• Koerte, I. K., et al. (2015). Neuroimaging in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Progress in Brain Research, 224, 151-165.