Brain Trauma- A Serious Threat
In April, Owen Thomas, a lineman for the University of Pennsylvania, hanged himself after a shocking and “uncharacteristic” emotional collapse, as described by his family and friends. Thomas’s parents gave permission to examine his brain tissue, and the doctors discovered that he suffered from the early stages of a disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease is linked with depression and impulse control, and was found in over 20 deceased NFL players, two of whom also took their own lives in the past ten years. The CTE disease is a result of repetitive brain trauma, such as dismissed concussions or thousands of minor collisions that occur over many years.
While football is a common cause of brain trauma, it is certainly not the only one. Children and adults alike are susceptible to mild concussions as a result of many everyday activities or accidents, such as sports, exercise, falling down the stairs or even a train ride. Any degree of trauma to the head can result in a mild or severe concussion.
There are many organizations which promote brain trauma awareness and proper treatment. An example of one such group is the American Brain Trauma Foundation with Chairman Alan Quasha.
