CTE May Occur without Concussions

New research from Boston University published in Brain suggests that even if a head knock doesn't lead to a concussion, it could lead to the brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).


The report suggests that it's head injuries, and not concussions, that lead to CTE as proteins leak from blood vessels in the brain and inflaming the surrounding brain tissue.  From post-mortem studies, CTE is seen as an accumulation of "tau" protein around the brain’s blood vessels.


The report authors say the research provides “strong causal evidence” that links head impacts to both traumatic brain injury and early CTE, “independent of concussion.”

Co-author of the study, Ann McKee, says that “In order to reduce CTE risk there must be a reduction in the number of head impacts,” whilst the "continued focus on concussion and symptomatic recovery does not address the fundamental danger these activities pose to human health.”

This study should put greater emphasis on sports governing bodies to reduce the chance of head knocks, which in rugby probably means a doubling down on referees punishing high tackles whilst at the same time encouraging coaches to improve tackle technique, but there maybe a bigger issue for football (soccer) as it will again bring into question heading the ball.


Boston University press release here and user friendly summary from Futurism.