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What You Should Know About CTE in Sports

Recently, the public has become more aware about chronic traumatic encephalopathy, more commonly known as CTE. This hot-button issue has caused a lot of parents and kids to have second thoughts about athletics as we learn more about links between head trauma and long-term brain damage.

Cutting through what’s fact and what’s fiction is an important part of understanding CTE in sports in Brampton. That said, there are some things we definitely know about this horrible disease thanks to the dedicated work of scientists, and informing yourself is a key step in figuring out how much of a risk is posed by particular sports and gauging whether participation is worth it. Read on for some basic pieces of information everyone should understand before making decisions based on the risk factors associated with this affliction.

What is CTE?

CTE is a neurodegenerative disease brought on by repeated trauma to the head, but it isn’t restricted to the usual suspects of football, hockey and other contact sports. Its symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, problems with impulse control, depression, anxiety and even suicidality.

One of the trickiest things about CTE is that it cannot currently be diagnosed in a living patient. Only post-mortem examinations of the brain can reveal its presence (most commonly through the presence of a protein called “tau”). We know this because scientists at Boston University have studied the brains of deceased pro football players and unearthed these first clues, but much still needs to be learned. These dedicated researchers have been leading the way in furthering our understanding of CTE in sports in Brampton, and have uncovered most of what we now know.

Can CTE be treated?

Currently, there are some options to treat chronic traumatic encephalopathy in Brampton. Although we can’t know for certain whether a patient is suffering from CTE while they’re still alive, treating what we believe to be its symptoms is entirely possible. These methods typically mirror those associated with other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s or associated illnesses.

This treatment plan might include working with sleep studies and tailoring your diet to help ease the worst symptoms. Many medical professionals will also recommend working with memory exercise in conjunction with behavioral therapy as a way of curbing CTE’s worst effects in suspected patients.

Are concussions and CTE linked?

Since CTE is brought on by blows to the head, links with concussion are becoming increasingly clear as our understanding of brain trauma evolves. As a result, parents worried about CTE in sports in Brampton should take the time to educate themselves on its risk and its effects. There is also increasing scholarship that indicates that brain trauma in youths is particularly dangerous, so care should be taken when considering which sports should be entered at what age.

CTE in sports in Brampton is not something to be taken lightly, but if you’re worried about the health of your own brain or that of a loved one, it’s always best to discuss it with medical professionals. They can offer advice and guidance on dealing with concussions, and a professional physiotherapist’s office like Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic is fully equipped to assist with any recommended treatment options. Reach out to us today to learn more.

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