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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Case Study

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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Case Study
Ray Easterling, former Falcons NFL player, was drafted in the 9th round,in 1972. He played for 7 years and started for 4 years. He was a leader on the team and even set many NFL and team records. He died May, 19, 2012. He was hit hard during a game and received a concussion. The coaches, athletic trainers, other medical staff and even the refs did not think that it was necessary to pull him from the game. Easterling continued to play through the concussion and it got worse hit after bruising hit. As time went on, Ray began to show signs of depression and insomnia, as it progressed he developed dementia and had trouble focusing, relating to people and organizing his thoughts. He suffered with all of these things 20 years after that horrifying …show more content…
Bennet Omalu discovered Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in a former NFL player, Mike Webster. CTE is a progressive brain degenerative disease that is caused by repetitive brain trauma. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy can affect who has had multiple brain injuries and may be any age. CTE can only be diagnosed through an autopsy but, tests can be done to determine if a person might have it. Some of the symptoms of CTE include cognitive impairment, impulsive behaviors, apathy, short-term memory loss, difficulty planning and carrying out tasks, emotional instability, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts or behavior. (Mayo Clinic) Because Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is only diagnosable through autopsy all of the symptoms are unclear. (Mayo Clinic) Other possible symptoms may include irritability, aggression, speech and language difficulties, dysphagia, motor impairment, vision and focusing problems, olfactory abnormalities, and dementia. These symptoms happen not only because the brain is literally deteriorating but because people with CTE have an abnormal buildup of a protein in their brain called nau. (Boston University) Right now there is not a true treatment or cure for chronic traumatic encephalopathy but doctors suggest that cutting back on physical activities might help reduce symptoms. Prevention for CTE is basically to take concussions very seriously and always take precautions in contact sports. (Mayo

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