By Sydney Hoffman, Science and Technology Editor
As avid football fans, it’s natural to revel in the excitement of draft picks and the thrill of the games that follow. However, amidst the cheers and celebrations, a stark reality often goes unnoticed—the perilous risks each player faces every time they step onto the field. The National Football League (NFL) is synonymous with adrenaline-pumping action, but it’s also associated with a heightened risk of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), a condition characterized by impaired cognitive and physical functioning due to external force.
TBIs not only jeopardize immediate health but also raise the specter of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Motor neurons, which are a type of neuron found in the central nervous system, play a crucial role in controlling movement. Unfortunately, they are more susceptible to cell death as a result of traumatic brain injuries. When motor neurons deteriorate, they lose their ability to transmit signals to the muscles, ultimately causing paralysis and difficulties with speech and swallowing. In cases where the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for breathing, ceases to function, individuals require mechanical ventilation to sustain their lives. The death of motor neurons leads to the development of ALS.
Tragically, the NFL has witnessed the unfortunate loss of prominent individuals like former San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark as well as Tim Shaw, a former Titan, to ALS. Studies indicate a fourfold increase in ALS risk for NFL athletes, underscoring the urgency of addressing this growing health crisis. Fifty-five other reported cases of ALS in professional football players have been recorded. Although there have been significant medical advancements in treating ALS, finding a cure for this devastating disease has yet to be done, highlighting the pressing need for continued research efforts.
Furthermore, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), another prevalent neurodegenerative disease among football players, presents a unique challenge. In contrast to ALS, CTE mainly presents as cognitive impairments and dementia, and it can only be diagnosed after death through the examination of brain tissue. Shockingly, studies reveal an alarming 91.7% prevalence rate of CTE among former NFL players, emphasizing the pervasive nature of this condition. The accumulation of repetitive hits, rather than isolated major head injuries, emerges as the primary risk factor for CTE, highlighting the insidious nature of this disease.
Responding to the high occurrence of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and neurodegenerative conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) requires collaborative actions from individuals involved in sports and the medical field. Only by working together as a group and continuously doing research can we reduce these hazards and protect the health and welfare of athletes for future generations.