What Is CTE In Athletes

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or C.T.E., a degenerative brain disorder, has been identified in a female professional athlete for the first time, according to studies.

According to a study published in Acta Neuropathologica, the Australian rules football player Heather Anderson who passed away last year had C.T.E.

The analysis stated that it appeared likely that more CTE cases will be found in female athletes as the number of women participating in professional contact sports increased. There is an urgent need to acknowledge the hazards and implement measures and policies to reduce traumatic brain injuries in the increasingly popular female contact sports, given that girls are more susceptible to concussions.

Anderson began playing Australian rules football when she was 5 years old and eventually played for the Adelaide Crows in the premier women's competition. She retired in 2017 at the age of 23 due to a shoulder issue. Her relatives claimed she committed suicide at age 28. She experienced one concussion during her career that was officially diagnosed, and her family suspected that she had up to four more.

Only a few cases had ever been discovered in women, according to the experts, and no professional athlete.

Women's contact sports, particularly rugby, are extremely popular in many areas. In 2017, a premier women's Australian rules league debuted, and Anderson participated in the championship game.

What does CTE in sports mean?

Repeated concussive or subconcussive head strikes can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative condition that most frequently affects sports.

Does CTE affect all athletes?

According to Soliman, a person's likelihood of developing CTE may be increased by genetics, substance misuse, or other reasons. When we consider all the individuals who participate in contact sports, only a small percentage develop CTE; therefore, additional factors must be at play.

How does CTE affect athletes?

A brain disorder known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is believed to be related to recurrent head trauma and blows to the head. Dementia results from it over time, although the symptoms can be controlled with the correct support and assistance.

How is CTE assessed?

While a person is still alive, it is impossible to definitively diagnose CTE. Only an autopsy after a person has passed away makes it possible to achieve that, which requires looking at samples of the person's brain under a microscope.

Can CTE be reversed?

It cannot be reversed or treated. According to Mez, there won't be any cures for CTE until it can be identified in patients who are still alive. Some of the symptoms, nevertheless, can be managed. Behavioural therapy, for instance, can be used to alleviate mood swings.

What Is CTE In Athletes

What Is CTE In Athletes