Researchers find CTE in brain of patient with no concussion history

Researchers at Toronto Western Hospital’s Canadian Concussion Centre have discovered the presence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the brain of a deceased patient with no known history of concussions.

They say it’s the first known case of its kind.

The case study was published in the International Journal of Pathology and Research and presented at the centre’s annual symposium on concussion research. The finding resulted from an autopsy examining the brain of a patient with a sevenyear history of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS, and motor neuron disease.

The patient’s family said he had no history of head trauma or any participation in activities associated with risk of concussion.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that has been linked to multiple concussions.

Dr. Charles Tator, director of the concussion centre and coauthor of the study, said it was an “interesting development” that would help provide more understanding of the disease.

CTE has been found in the brains of multiple former athletes.

The National Football League and National Hockey League were sued by former players who suffered concussions and other head injuries. The NFL settled for US$1 billion, while the suit against the NHL is pending. The CFL has also been named in a class-action lawsuit over concussions and brain trauma.