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CTE in veterans shows the military has it’s own “concussion crisis” [Video]
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a dangerous neurodegenerative disease linked with repeated concussions or brain trauma. It causes severe depression, memory loss, behavioral issues, and problems with extreme anger. Chances are you’ve heard of it being found in an increasing number of former football players.
CTE has become almost exclusively linked to football, though it has been found in athletes in sports like hockey and soccer. However, athletes aren’t the only ones being affected by the permanent brain disease. Experts are finding CTE in a shocking number of brains from former members of the military.
Since 9/11, it is estimated that over 300,000 soldiers have returned from their deployment with concussions. Through post-mortem autopsies, Dr. Ann McKee and colleagues have discovered many of these veterans may also have developed CTE from their trauma.
CBS’s 60 Minutes recently spoke with the family of one soldier who was diagnosed with CTE after his death and Dr. McKee to understand just how the brain disease can affect soldiers – and their loved ones. The exposé reveals that the NFL isn’t the only one with a “Concussion Crisis” or widespread issues with CTE. The military has it’s own CTE Crisis it will have to face.
Watch an excerpt of the report below, or view the entire story from 60 Minutes here.
My husband was also a part of this study. It is amazing to me how hard it was to find help within the active duty military medical system. Drs would whisper CTE to me but none would put it in the records. And the Drs kept telling us it was all psychological. We feel Dr Gandy and the answers he provided were so helpful to understading why my husband suffers throughout the day the way he does. We are starting a non profit for military that are suffering from unexplained Neurological symptoms and have had a lifetime of Airborne injuries or IED blasts. We hope to be able to communicate the warning signs of CTE and how they may differ from the trials of psychological trauma associated with deployments.
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