News recently emerged that former AFL footballer Danny Frawley was suffering from a brain disease called CTE when he died last year, according to reports received by the Victorian Coroner.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, refers to changes in the brain that have been linked to repeated blows to the head, sometimes seen in former players of sports such as rugby, and Australian and American football codes. Its believed these changes relate to an abnormal buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which can damage brain cells.
Read more:Coming to a head over concussion in Australian football
Frawleys is the second confirmed case of CTE in a former AFL player (the other being Graham "Polly"Farmer), while two former NRL players are also thought to have had the condition.
CTE has prompted concern among the media and public, and researchers still dont fully understand the condition. It's not yet clear whether CTE is directly caused by repeated hits to the head, as the condition has also been found in people with no known history of repetitive brain trauma.
Theres been a big increase in research on the topic over the past decade, which will hopefully teach us more about the condition and its possible treatments. But this will only happen if more funding is given to scientists to study it.
The prevalence of CTE is unknown. Although its believed to be more common in athletes who suffer repeated head injuries, there's been no rigorous epidemiological study to confirm this claim. This may be because theres no consensus on how to diagnose it while someone is alive CTE can currently only be diagnosed retrospectively via an autopsy of brain tissue.
Whats more, the symptoms attributed to CTE are common in the general population, and are not specific to the condition. They range from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, to substance abuse, suicidal behaviour, and even marital problems.
Proponents of CTE argue its a distinct neurodegenerative disease, separate from conditions such as Alzheimers. But other researchers say the brain changes in CTE are not unique, not necessarily progressive, and not specific to people exposed to repeated brain injury.
Significant strides have been made in developing tools that may help diagnose or predict CTE in living people. These include brain imaging methods that might allow for the early detection of the specific tau changes believed to occur in the condition. Other research has focused on identifying genetic factors that may make some individuals more susceptible to CTE.
Scientists have also been investigating potential treatments, both for the symptoms and the underlying biological causes of CTE. For example, our laboratory at Monash Universitys Department of Neuroscience has found that a drug called sodium selenate can reduce the amount of abnormal forms of tau. This drug is currently in clinical trials for Alzheimers and another condition called frontotemporal dementia. It's also been shown to reduce the extent of cognitive deficits in rodents with repeated mild brain trauma.
While Frawleys death has renewed the focus on CTE, its important to recognise there are other devastating neurological complications that may be more likely to result from repetitive head injury. In particular, the risk of suffering from persistent post-concussion symptoms such headache, dizzinessand fatigue appears to be significantly greater in people with a history of multiple concussions.
Risk of these symptoms persisting after a concussion appears to be particularly high if repeat concussions happen in short succession. Some researchers think the recently concussed brain may have a window of increased vulnerability to repeated concussion. However, the length of time, and the underlying biological causes, of this vulnerable period are not yet well understood.
Read more: For an unlucky 10% of people with concussion, the symptoms may be long-lasting
In sport, this creates uncertainty about when its OK for a previously concussed athlete to resume playing. Caution surrounding allowing players to get back on the field is increasingly appreciated in some sporting codes, conveyed in the widely touted when in doubt, sit them out message.
But what we dont know yet is, for how long? In an attempt to shed some light on this, our laboratory is investigating how new blood and MRI tests may be able to objectively indicate when the brain has recovered from concussion and is no longer in a vulnerable state, thereby allowing previously concussed athletes to resume playing.
In the meantime, we must use the current knowledge available to manage the risks from blows to the head. Many sports have implemented rule changes in an attempt to decrease the risk of brain injury, which is welcome. Some people have gone further, advocating for participation in collision or contact sports to be banned to prevent CTE.
Read more: Sports coaches need to be educated about concussion to keep players safe on the field
But when considering this option, its important to emphasise evidence of CTE in people with no known history of repetitive brain trauma or collision sport participation. Further, there are many health benefits to participating in sport. In fact, exercise is considered a promising treatment strategy for both concussion and neurodegenerative disorders.
While we wait for further discoveries about CTE, its important to carefully weigh the known negatives and positives of sport participation. The interaction between physical activity and brain health is complex; we cannot ignore the problem of repeated brain trauma in sports, but stopping participation in all contact sports will also not lead to optimal brain health.
Making informed, evidence-based decisions about risk and benefit needs to rely on objective data (of which we need much more), rather than media hype.
This article originally appeared on The Conversation.
Read the original here:
What we know about CTE, the brain condition that affected Danny Frawley Monash Lens - Monash Lens
- Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy Brain Injury - May 7th, 2011 [May 7th, 2011]
- Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury - May 9th, 2011 [May 9th, 2011]
- Atlanta Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Emory - May 11th, 2011 [May 11th, 2011]
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Brain Injury Part 2 (Tbi) - May 20th, 2011 [May 20th, 2011]
- Mark, anoxi brain injury, physical therapy after stem cell treatment - May 21st, 2011 [May 21st, 2011]
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - May 21st, 2011 [May 21st, 2011]
- Bob Hahn Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery - May 23rd, 2011 [May 23rd, 2011]
- Mark, anoxi brain injury, after stem cell treatment at Tiantan Puhua Hospital Beijing - May 24th, 2011 [May 24th, 2011]
- New Beginnings community center for brain injury rehabilitation - May 30th, 2011 [May 30th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 1 - Dr. Robert Kohn, Neurologist - June 2nd, 2011 [June 2nd, 2011]
- Am I Brain Damaged? from traumatic brain injury - June 3rd, 2011 [June 3rd, 2011]
- SLI Wellness Center for Brain Injury Rehabilitation - June 11th, 2011 [June 11th, 2011]
- Update on Libya, Radiation in Japan, Tramatic Brain Injury treatment and more, 03/23/2011 - June 12th, 2011 [June 12th, 2011]
- Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center - Finding Your Path - June 12th, 2011 [June 12th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 5 - Doctor Kohn, Chicago Neurologist - June 16th, 2011 [June 16th, 2011]
- The struggle to treat traumatic brain injury - June 17th, 2011 [June 17th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor Speaks about ProTECT trial at UC Health University Hospital - June 17th, 2011 [June 17th, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment for Brain Injury of Adrian - June 23rd, 2011 [June 23rd, 2011]
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - June 24th, 2011 [June 24th, 2011]
- Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury TBI - July 4th, 2011 [July 4th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 2 - Dr. Robert Kohn, Neurologist - July 6th, 2011 [July 6th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 7 - Doctor Kohn, MD, Neurology, Neuropsychiatry - July 14th, 2011 [July 14th, 2011]
- Neurofeedback Training and Treatment at Healing Unleashed in Denver Colorado - July 15th, 2011 [July 15th, 2011]
- Alexis Verzal takes independent steps - July 18th, 2011 [July 18th, 2011]
- The New WalkAide System: Advanced Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for Treatment of Foot Drop - July 18th, 2011 [July 18th, 2011]
- Doctors Cool Newborn to Limit Brain Damage - July 19th, 2011 [July 19th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 6 - by Neurologist, Dr. Robert Kohn - July 24th, 2011 [July 24th, 2011]
- Brain injury and trauma treatment by homeopathy - July 31st, 2011 [July 31st, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 4 - Dr. Kohn, Neuropsychiatrist / Neurologist - August 9th, 2011 [August 9th, 2011]
- Preserving Hope, Predicting Health - August 17th, 2011 [August 17th, 2011]
- Sask Brain Injury Association - August 19th, 2011 [August 19th, 2011]
- Cognition and Mild Head Injury by Dr. Muriel Lezak - August 21st, 2011 [August 21st, 2011]
- Brain injury_Shawna_ USA_before stem cell treatment 1.wmv - August 25th, 2011 [August 25th, 2011]
- Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center - Recovery is a Journey - August 26th, 2011 [August 26th, 2011]
- Different types of Concussions by Dr. James Chesnutt.mov - August 30th, 2011 [August 30th, 2011]
- Brain injury_Shawna_ USA_after stem cell treatment 1.wmv - September 11th, 2011 [September 11th, 2011]
- With Brain Injuries, Soldiers Face A Battle For Care - September 23rd, 2011 [September 23rd, 2011]
- Tripler Medical Center Treats Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - September 24th, 2011 [September 24th, 2011]
- Sessions' Traumatic Brain Injury Amendment to DOD Appropriations - October 2nd, 2011 [October 2nd, 2011]
- Using Stem Cells for Treatment of TBI | Dr. Charles Cox | Research Trials - October 5th, 2011 [October 5th, 2011]
- Healing brain injuries - October 8th, 2011 [October 8th, 2011]
- Veterans Services at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center - - October 8th, 2011 [October 8th, 2011]
- Hope Beyond Trauma - October 9th, 2011 [October 9th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 3 - by Neurologist Dr. Robert Kohn - October 10th, 2011 [October 10th, 2011]
- Understanding and Improving Vocational Outcomes following Traumatic Brain Injury - Video - October 16th, 2011 [October 16th, 2011]
- LI facility dedicated to Terri Schiavo - Video - October 17th, 2011 [October 17th, 2011]
- Treating Traumatic Brain Injury with Neurotopia - featuring Holden McCray - October 18th, 2011 [October 18th, 2011]
- Brain Injury Survivors: Adriana Villar (Making a Difference: Story 1) - Video - October 21st, 2011 [October 21st, 2011]
- Fabio - brain injury - Video - October 23rd, 2011 [October 23rd, 2011]
- The Latest Developments in Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment - Video - October 25th, 2011 [October 25th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatments and Brain Damage Video of MRI of Brain Chambers WWW.STEMCELLREGENMED.COM - Video - October 29th, 2011 [October 29th, 2011]
- Military lags on promising treatment for brain-injured soldiers - Video - November 6th, 2011 [November 6th, 2011]
- Brian Moylan (TBI survivor) talking on treatment from the NHS - Video - November 10th, 2011 [November 10th, 2011]
- Brain Injury Experts at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital - Video - November 12th, 2011 [November 12th, 2011]
- H200 Hand Rehabilitation System - Testimonials - Clinical Focus - Video - November 13th, 2011 [November 13th, 2011]
- Coping with Brain Injury: Robots and Rehabilitation - Video - November 16th, 2011 [November 16th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation using MediTouch HandTutor - Video - November 18th, 2011 [November 18th, 2011]
- Brain Injury Treatment Success | College Station Chiropractor Dr. David Bailey - Video - November 30th, 2011 [November 30th, 2011]
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) corrects brain-injury. - Video - December 7th, 2011 [December 7th, 2011]
- Story of a Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery with Hyperbaric Oxygen (Part1/4) - Video - December 8th, 2011 [December 8th, 2011]
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Brain Injury - Video - December 10th, 2011 [December 10th, 2011]
- Redwood Extended Care Facility - Brain Injury Services - Video - December 10th, 2011 [December 10th, 2011]
- What If... Brain Injury Rehabilitation - Video - December 17th, 2011 [December 17th, 2011]
- Dangers in Self Medication - Young Adults with Lyme Disease - Leo J. Shea, III, PhD - Video - December 18th, 2011 [December 18th, 2011]
- Reducing Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in the US - Video - December 19th, 2011 [December 19th, 2011]
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Part 8 - Dr. R. Kohn, MD, Neurology - December 21st, 2011 [December 21st, 2011]
- Brain injury rehabilitation using Wii recreational therapy - Video - December 24th, 2011 [December 24th, 2011]
- CNS President/CEO Dr. Mark Ashley discusses how research shapes brain injury rehabilitation - Video - December 29th, 2011 [December 29th, 2011]
- Albert James De Meillon-Traumatic Brain Injury-Part 1 - Video - January 1st, 2012 [January 1st, 2012]
- Hope Beyond Trauma_Janie Smith - Video - January 10th, 2012 [January 10th, 2012]
- Neurofeedback adhd - Video - January 11th, 2012 [January 11th, 2012]
- We are the World, We ARE The Children - Video - January 11th, 2012 [January 11th, 2012]
- New Hopes for Treating Traumatic Brain Injury - Video - January 11th, 2012 [January 11th, 2012]
- NeuroRestorative's Robin Ray Featured on ABC in Southern Illinois - Video - January 13th, 2012 [January 13th, 2012]
- Careers at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center - Video - January 26th, 2012 [January 26th, 2012]
- Chris Persel discusses what makes CNS a leader in brain injury rehabilitation - Video - January 27th, 2012 [January 27th, 2012]
- Care for catastrophic injuries, spinal cord and traumatic brain injury - Video - January 27th, 2012 [January 27th, 2012]
- Military Tests Pressurized Chamber to Treat TBI - Video - January 27th, 2012 [January 27th, 2012]
- Richmond Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys Applaud White House Research Initiative Targeting Veterans’ Health Issues - January 28th, 2012 [January 28th, 2012]
- Protect Your Brain...Why? - Video - January 30th, 2012 [January 30th, 2012]