What is CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma, including symptomatic concussions as well as asymptomatic subconcussive hits to the head. CTE has been known to affect boxers since the 1920s. However, recent reports have been published of neuropathologically confirmed CTE in retired professional football players and other athletes who have a history of repetitive brain trauma. This trauma triggers progressive degeneration of the brain tissue, including the build-up of an abnormal protein called tau. These changes in the brain can begin months, years, or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic involvement. The brain degeneration is associated with memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia.
Sash reported one concussion in college, suffered another in the 2011 NFC Championship Game, and then a third in the 2013 preseason. Those are what was reported, possible he had other unreported symptomatic events such as dazed for a period of time in practice. Tough guys like Mr. Sash play through that sort of problem, and as hard hitting safety and special teams player no telling how many how many subconcussive events occurred. Giants reached an injury settlement with Mr. Sash after he suffered a concussion in the final preseason game in 2013.
Just like Erik Kramer a few weeks ago, Tyler certainly fits the profile.
Assume the Iowa Medical Examiner will investigate, certainly on notice with the circumstances and advances in science the last decade. Hope the next of kin take the next step and donate Mr. Sash's brain to Boston U and participate in its study.
http://www.bu.edu/cte/about/what-is-cte/
