A research team from Boston Medical School of Medicine and Veterans Administration Hospital in Bedford, Conn., found evidence of a new disease mimicking ALS in athletes suffering multiple head injuries, according to a Boston University news release.
The new disease was discovered while researchers were examining brains and spinal chords of 12 deceased athletes. Two NFL players and a former boxer who experienced neurodegenerative disease chronic trauma encephalopathy were thought to have contracted Lou Gehrig's disease before their death. However, the researchers discovered an abnormal protein TDP-43 in these athletes thought to be caused by repetitive head trauma, most likely connected to their sporting activities.
The center's research has contributed to recent changes in the NFL run-to-play rules as well as heightened warning and legislation on youth concussions. The team continues to research the impact of subconcussive head blows and mild brain trauma on the nervous system.
Read the Boston Medical release on the head trauma research.
Read more coverage on sports medicine research:
- Experience, Draft Pick Are Predictors of Return to Play After ACL Injuries for NFL Players
- Study: Fractures Keep High School Athletes Off the Field Longer
- Study: Gender Could Influence Likelihood of Dominant Leg ACL Injury
The new disease was discovered while researchers were examining brains and spinal chords of 12 deceased athletes. Two NFL players and a former boxer who experienced neurodegenerative disease chronic trauma encephalopathy were thought to have contracted Lou Gehrig's disease before their death. However, the researchers discovered an abnormal protein TDP-43 in these athletes thought to be caused by repetitive head trauma, most likely connected to their sporting activities.
The center's research has contributed to recent changes in the NFL run-to-play rules as well as heightened warning and legislation on youth concussions. The team continues to research the impact of subconcussive head blows and mild brain trauma on the nervous system.
Read the Boston Medical release on the head trauma research.
Read more coverage on sports medicine research:
- Experience, Draft Pick Are Predictors of Return to Play After ACL Injuries for NFL Players
- Study: Fractures Keep High School Athletes Off the Field Longer
- Study: Gender Could Influence Likelihood of Dominant Leg ACL Injury