Dangers of concussion deserve more public awareness

By Lethbridge Herald on May 10, 2025.

Editor:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), is a progressive neurological condition that results from repeated brain trauma, including both concussions and non-concussive impacts, accumulated over time. At present, CTE can only be diagnosed after death.

CTE goes undetected in individuals, leading to cognitive difficulties and mental health issues. This situation underscores the critical need for finer diagnostic approaches when identifying this serious condition. 

Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness to ensure that more people understand the implications and risks linked with this disorder.

CTE presents a difficulty because its effects on cognitive abilities emerge gradually over time. Despite the injuries occurring years earlier, individuals may not notice symptoms until they reach their 40s, 50s, and 60s. At this point, those affected can find themselves facing considerable alterations and obstacles in their everyday lives, which can be both confusing and distressing.

Concussions occur when the brain is violently shaken within the skull, often caused by a direct impact to the head or a rapid shift in movement. 

Such injuries can also occur from body impacts that cause a swift jerking motion of the head and neck. Recognizing the risks linked to physical activities that may threaten the safety of the brain is crucial.

The body’s reaction to traumatic brain injury can manifest in various ways. There are instances of losing consciousness, alongside moments of remaining cognizant. Repeated non-concussive impacts to the head can also result in considerable brain trauma, as a series of numerous, less intense blows over a lengthier period of time can accumulate and compromise long-term brain health.

Following an injury, symptoms include headaches, confusion, and feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. Furthermore, issues such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, fatigue, and alterations in sleep patterns exist. Episodes of memory loss, difficulties with concentration, and challenges related to overall perspective functioning and executive abilities persist.

Ongoing feelings of anxiety can present a significant challenge, creating an unrelenting sense of unease. In addition, an inclination to withdraw from social events and gatherings endures. 

The emotional landscape will be in a state of flux, with these feelings shifting in intensity and unpredictability.

For me, a deep trust in the knowledge and skills of the medical and scientific communities has fostered an awareness of personal health circumstances and the challenges encountered by others in comparable situations. For the last 10 years, a need for comprehension has been a significant focus.

Reflecting on the past often brings to mind the days spent engaging in collision sports, especially during youth. The numerous impacts to the head remain poignant, serving as a stark reminder of the health challenges faced in later years.

In 2023, I pledged my brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation and Boston University, upon my passing. This choice reflects a profound set of values and serves as more than a mere symbolic act; it underscores a strong commitment to advancing research aimed at assisting individuals dealing with brain health challenges. 

By participating in this significant initiative, there is a desire to turn personal experiences into a beacon of hope for others confronting similar difficulties, thereby aiding in the continuous fight against the lasting impacts of traumatic brain injury.

Hope remains ever-present, particularly as advancements in research are being made to identify CTE in living individuals using blood-based biomarkers. 

This groundbreaking work not only facilitates early detection but also enhances the support available for those impacted.

Mick Pariseau

Lethbridge