Athletes like Mohammad Ali, Philadelphia Eagles football player Andre Waters, and NFL player Dave Duerson all have/had chronic traumatic encephalitis (CTE), a swelling of the brain usually brought on by head trauma and brain injury. Excessive blows to the head, like in boxing, or concussions from football can all lead to mental decline over the years from swelling of the brain.
According to the autopsy on Duerson, too many concussions had caused his brain to shrink over the years. His family described his decline to include depression, personality changes and bouts of aggressive behavior.
“Recently 500 U.S. athletes held a rally to announce they are ready to have their brains tested for the sake of surviving their colleagues who suffer from concussion and chronic traumatic encephalitis (CTE) and its outcomes such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, and dementia,” reported a broadcast on May 21st on CBS Philly television station.
Brain swelling, known as encephalitis, can produce literally any type of disease known to man. Some forms of encephalitis are caused by a virus, such as those that produce measles, chicken pox and rubella (which is why it is important to get immunizations, especially for children); while others could be contracted through a bite from a mosquito or rabid animal; or an allergic reaction to medication. There are many different types of encephalitis, with over 1,000 possible causes.
The degree of damage depends on the amount of swelling that is taking place in the brain. There can be an ebb and flow of the swelling – so that people can have “good days” or “bad days.” Mild encephalitis may produce mild discomfort or a mild sense of disorientation, while severe encephalitis may result in death.
Some patients may have symptoms of a cold or stomach infection before encephalitis symptoms begin. When the case is not too severe the symptoms may be similar to many other illnesses — fever, mild headache, low energy and poor appetite. They could also have problems with light sensitivity, sleepiness, unsteady or clumsiness when walking, disorientation and confusion, and occasionally a stiff neck.
In case of loss of consciousness, paralysis or seizures, or impaired memory, make sure to get emergency treatment as soon as possible. The earlier you get treatment the less swelling may occur. Permanent brain damage can happen in severe cases that can affect hearing, muscle control, speech, vision and memory.
Inflammation and swelling in the brain is serious and may lead to a number of problems with memory and brain function. Since your brain is the central part of your body functions, anything that affects the brain has an affect on other parts of the body. If you are in doubt about symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Saving a dime, or waiting too long, could cause lasting problems.
Sources:
CBS Philly.com — Chronic Traumatic Encephalitis: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/05/31/chronic-traumatic-encephalitis/
Causes of Encephalitis: http://www.cranialsubluxations.com/causes_of_encephalitis.htm
Tehran Times – Homeopathic cure of athletes with chronic traumatic encephalitis: http://www.tehrantimes.com/index.php/health/3388-homeopathic-cure-of-athletes-with-chronic-traumatic-encephalitis
