ATLANTA — A new study on former professional football players showed at least 25% of the more than 800 brains they examined showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE,) the neurological disease likely caused by repeated hits to the head.
The lead researcher said the actual number of former NFL athletes with brain disease is likely even higher.
Even with all the research being done, for every football hit, parents hope their players bounce right back up, unhurt.
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Dr. Daniel Cherik with Northside Hospital’s concussion program told Channel 2 Action News there is a culture shift in football that is leading to more awareness.
“We can treat this injury much better than we did in the past. We have physical therapy and things that we can do to help people get better sooner,” said Dr. Cherik.
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The Sports Neuropsychologist for Northside Sports Medicine advises parents and athletes there is one important factor in brain health.
“The most important thing is if an injury happens, we need to make sure they’re recovered before we put them back in any contact situation,” Cherik said.
Schools in Georgia are working with a company that makes padded football helmet covers.
Guardian Caps help to cushion against the impact players have on the field. It is all part of concussion protocols for many athletes.
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