With fall sports coming up at schools across Tennessee, a new study points to the importance of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) awareness for parents. CTE is a serious brain condition most commonly linked to former professional athletes. But a the study has found evidence of the degenerative brain disease in young athletes who died before the age of 30. CTE is caused by repeated head impacts and can only be diagnosed after death.
As sports kick off for kids and competition grows more intense and year-round, the study serves as an important reminder for families. If your child plays a contact sport — especially if they’ve had a concussion or any type of head injury — it’s critical to understand the risks. The study’s findings highlight the importance of protecting young brains and being proactive about safety on the field.
CTE and Head Injuries in Youth
The bottom line is, CTE is a degenerative brain condition once thought to affect only older professional athletes. It is now is showing up in young people — some under the age of 30.
Published in JAMA Neurology, the study looked at the brains of 152 deceased young people, the majority of whom played contact sports like football, ice hockey, soccer, rugby, and wrestling. Nearly three-quarters of these young people were athletes — and among them, more than 40 percent showed signs of CTE.
In a sobering first, the study also identified the first American female athlete diagnosed with CTE: an unnamed 28-year-old collegiate soccer player.
Even in athletes without a CTE diagnosis, the study found a high rate of serious mental health symptoms linked to repeated head impacts:
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Depression: 70%
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Apathy or emotional numbness: 71.3%
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Behavioral struggles: 56.8%
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Trouble making decisions: 54.5%
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Alcohol abuse: 42.9%
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Drug misuse: 38.3%
Doctors say the study clearly shows that the pathology of CTE starts early. Parents and young athletes should take mental health symptoms seriously — especially those connected to past concussions or head injuries.
While there’s currently no cure for CTE, the research did reveal that longer exposure to contact sports — especially starting from a young age — increased the likelihood of brain damage. Athletes who had played contact sports for more than 11 years were more likely to be diagnosed, compared to those with fewer years of exposure.
Nsini Umoh, PH.D., program director for traumatic brain injury research at the National Institutes of Health (which helped fund the study), says this study ‘s a critical reminder for parents.
“Any activity that exposes kids to repetitive brain injuries carries risks,” Umoh warns. “Parents and athletes need to make informed decisions based on what we now know from the research.”
If your child plays sports, protecting their brain health should be a top priority—and it starts with awareness and action from both parents and coaches.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one of the best ways to reduce the risk of head injury is by promoting good sportsmanship and reporting any head impacts immediately, even if they seem minor. Don’t wait—speak up if your child takes a hit.
CTE and Head Injuries in Youth:
Have a concussion action plan in place.
Umoh stresses the importance of knowing what to do if your child experiences a head injury. Your plan should include:
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Immediate removal from the game or practice
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Seeking medical care right away
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Documenting and reporting all symptoms
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Waiting for full medical clearance before returning to school or sports
Even mild concussions can be serious — especially if they aren’t managed properly. The biggest danger is returning to play too soon say pediatric neurologists. A second head injury before the brain has fully healed can make recovery much longer — and more dangerous.
That’s why it’s critical to watch your young athlete closely for warning signs.
If your child has experienced a hit to the head, these symptoms should prompt a visit to your child’s doctor:
— Persistent headaches
— Dizziness or balance issues
— Trouble concentrating or finding words
— Amnesia or disorientation
— Emotional changes or mood swings
— Difficulty sleeping or poor sleep quality
— Sensitivity to light or sound
— Irritability
Brain injuries in young athletes aren’t always obvious at first, so remember, even if symptoms seem small, they matter. Despite the risks, youth sports can still offer huge benefits — teamwork, confidence, physical health, and fun. The key is playing smart and safe.
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