Former NFL defensive back Paul Oliver died this week from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Oliver was a hometown hero who took his varsity football team to the state championship. Called a wolverine and champion by teammates at the University of Georgia, he held Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson – a.k.a. Megatron, now a star with the Detroit Lions – to fewer yards than the whole Redskin defense did in 2013. He went on to make 144 tackles in 57 games with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. He brought enjoyment to friends and countless fans.
What caused this charismatic, well-liked, one-of-a-kind leader to take his life? Is traumatic brain injury (TBI) a cause and can health science provide answers?
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Oliver joins a list of professional football players who have committed suicide in the last few years, including former New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, former Atlanta Falcons safety Ray Easterling, Jovan Belcher of the Kansas City Chiefs, former Chicago Bears defensive back Dave Duerson and former Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley, among others.
Coincidence? Not according to a 2012 study published by Brain Journal. Researchers found evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in 68 of 85 subjects who had endured repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. CTE is a chronic neurodegenerative brain disease that is caused by repetitive traumatic brain injury. Impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression and depression are among symptoms.
A study of Junior Seau’s brain conducted by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that he also suffered from CTE.
Neurological disorders: Little-known and misunderstood.
Scientists and clinicians are working to learn more about CTE, but NIH says “CTE research is in a very early stage. Currently, physicians are unable to diagnose the multi-focal tauopathy form of CTE in a living person.”
Other neurological diseases are likewise little-known. For example, it’s estimated that more than one million Americans suffer from pseudobulbar affect (PBA), yet it is often confused with depression. PBA is caused by an underlying neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease and is characterized by unpredictable episodes of crying or laughing. Imagine losing control – laughing at a funeral or sobbing in an interview – and being misunderstood by everyone around you.
What can we do to help?
We can raise awareness of neurological disease risks and symptoms. Although symptoms of CTE may not be obvious, we can encourage those at risk to seek help. In 2012 the National Football League launched an independent NFL Life Line, a crisis support line for players, former players, coaches, league staff and their families. This resource offers confidential, professional help to callers experiencing personal or emotional distress.
We can also encourage the health and life science community to continue exploring symptoms and treatment options. Perhaps a medical explanation could offer clarity and solace for those left behind when one succumbs as a victim of CTE.
Do you think there is enough being done to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and CTE by the NFL, NCAA and other prominent sports organizations?
