CTE Found in 99% of NFL Players in Medical Journal Study

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was present in 99% of deceased NFL players’ brains. Researchers examined 202 brains of former football players. The players included high school, college and NFL players. Of the 202 brains studied, 177 had CTE. And of the 111 NFL players, 110 had the disease.

How Does CTE Occur?

CTE occurs when head trauma results in a buildup of the protein tau in the brain. The protein can disable neuropathways, resulting in a range of symptoms. Some of the symptoms include aggression, depression, anxiety, memory loss and even suicidal behavior. Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed after death. But researchers are looking into ways to diagnose living people with the disease. Most of the people who have been diagnosed after death were football players or veterans.

Risk of Playing Football Still Unknown

While the study is the largest of its kind, it has its flaws. Researchers point out the potential bias of the brains submitted to the study, as relatives were more likely to donate them if they had seen the players exhibit symptoms of the disease. And since there was no control group, there is no way to give an estimate of the real risk playing football has on the brain.

“While this study does not reveal everything we want to know about CTE, it does verify that football undoubtedly plays a role in the development of the disease,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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