How is CTE related to Concussion?

CTE and concussion are often categorized together, but in reality, they are not directly related at all. “New research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) concludes that it's not concussions that cause the condition, but repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—the kind experienced by more people than just those involved in contact sports” (Study). An average person's concussion happens one time and the brain is able to heal from the injury. However if someone has secondary injuries after a concussion and consistent blows to the head however can lead to CTE. This explains how it is possible that 20% of CTE victims were never diagnosed with a concussion. It can also explain a study done by Brain which was reported in an article by “American Physical Therapy Associates”. This study’s findings are based on head trauma experiments done on mice as well as teens who have had brain injuries. The conclusion of the study was many teenagers were found with a large amount of tau proteins in their brain. Tau protein forming is a coping mechanism in the brain for head injuries. The important thing is some of them had never gotten a concussion before meaning that concussion is not the single cause of CTE (Study). 

    Although CTE is not a direct response from concussions, concussions can definitely contribute because they are in fact a large blow to the head. Through research, you can see that it is the repetition of head injuries like Steve Miller and Aaron Hernandez’s experiences over their lives that are the main cause of CTE. 

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