Latest news with #ChronicTraumaticEncephalopathy
Irish Examiner
06-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
NFL shooting highlights battle to reduce brain injury in sport
I am a doctor who researches the links between rugby and brain injury so I was ghoulishly interested in the shootings targeted at the Manhattan headquarters of the National Football League recently. The shooter, Shane Tamura, did not play professional sport but he did play American football in high school and he was carrying a note that appeared to blame the NFL for a degenerative brain disease he said he had. We will possibly never know whether there was a link between Tamura's mental illness and the sport he played but we do know that the NFL has paid out an estimated $1bn to settle concussion-related lawsuits with thousands of retired players after the deaths of several high-profile players. A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer at the scene of the shooting at 345 Park Ave in New York. Picture: Getty Images But even since that payout recent data has shown that minor rule changes have done little to change the rates of concussion in NFL. As for rugby, three failed Head Injury Aseessments and one knockout in Sydney last weekend should tell you all you need to know about what's happening in the gentleman's sport. Fifteen years ago, a college footballer from Pennsylvania State University called Owen Thomas died by his own hand at the age of just 23. In a remarkably brave gesture, his parents gave permission for his brain to be examined by a neuropathologist who was able to formally diagnose the young man with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Owen had been a star footballer but within a year of joining the college team both his friends and family noticed a change in his behaviour: he was explosively irritable and often depressed and angry. As the season continued his condition deteriorated until the end came by his own hand. There are examples closer to home of similar tragedies. Those deaths have not been proven to be due to CTE but all the evidence points towards it. Siobhan Cattigan, a young Scottish female international rugby player, died by her own hand four years ago after an inexplicable deterioration in mental health. More recently, Boston University published a series of brain autopsy results in 130 dead athletes under 30. The most common cause of death was suicide and as many as three in five showed evidence of CTE. I can already hear the chorus of contact sport supporters accusing me of wishing to ban contact sports or failing to see the important mental and physical benefits of taking part in sport. Nothing could be further from the truth. The charge that researchers like me are ultimately out to ban the sport is akin to saying that I want to ban driving because there are so many recorded deaths on the road This is patently ridiculous and yet the driving analogy is a very useful one. In the mid-1970s, the average number of road deaths in Ireland was about 650 a year. Think of that; 650 families grieving over lost lives nearly every year of that decade. Last year, that figure was 174 road deaths despite a population increase of 2 million. This decrease was due to a mixture of reasons. Car manufacturers used advances in technology to make cars safer while the State enforced drink driving laws, redesigned roads, insisted on seat belts and introduced penalty points of speeding. By comparison, the State sees no role for itself in brain injury but encourages sporting bodies to do all they can to make the games safer. That's like the State asking the car manufacturers to take all the responsibility to make driving safer back in the 1970s. It's not good enough. We all have a role to play in making contact sports safer. It is now well past time for a broad public health response to the brain injury crisis. The toxicity of the 'intense physicality' agenda needs to be balanced with a series of fresh initiatives to make the game safer. That starts with a proper, independently-funded research programme on risk. Other measures might include mandating all coaches at all levels to undergo training in concussion awareness and tougher sanctions for clubs and countries that violate rest rules. Mandatory brain health and risk screening for all players should also begin immediately. This should all be directed by a new and independent agency like the one we have for road safety. Garry Ringrose was rightly praised a few days ago when he withdrew from the British and Irish Lions squad after experiencing concussion symptoms. The move was described by many observers as selfless but the reality is that it was common sense. Sports such as rugby, Gaelic Football and hurling won't be safe until Ringrose's decision is the rule rather than the exception. Colin Doherty is a neurologist with a special interest in concussion. He is head of the School of Medicine in Trinity College Dublin
News18
03-08-2025
- Health
- News18
Manhattan Shooter Blamed CTE For Rampage: What Is It? Why Is It Common Among NFL Players?
Last Updated: CTE is a progressive, degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, especially in contact sports and military service News18 The man who killed four people in a rampage with a rifle on July 28 through a Midtown Manhattan office building was carrying a note that appeared to blame the National Football League for his Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease, New York Mayor Eric Adams said. Police have identified the shooter as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas resident with a history of mental illness struggles, who ended the massacre by shooting himself in the chest on the 33rd floor of a Park Avenue office tower. The NFL has its headquarters in the skyscraper, but Tamura apparently entered the wrong elevator bank and ended up in the offices of Rudin Management, a real estate company, where he shot employees, the mayor said. 'The note alluded to that he felt he had CTE, a known brain injur y for those who participate in contact sports," Adams told CBS News. 'He appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury." What is CTE or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy? CTE is a progressive, degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, especially in contact sports and military service. It has become widely discussed due to its connection to mental health issues, memory loss, aggression, and violent behaviour, sometimes cited in high-profile criminal cases. It is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive brain trauma, including both concussions and subconcussive blows (hits that don't cause immediate symptoms). It results in a buildup of tau protein in the brain, which damages and eventually kills brain cells. Symptoms, which can appear years or decades later: Who gets CTE? People exposed to repetitive head trauma, including: Football, boxing, hockey, and soccer players Military veterans exposed to blast injuries Victims of domestic violence Occasionally in people with multiple head injuries due to accidents NFL players who suffered from CTE A 2023 Boston University study found CTE in more than 90% of former NFL players' brains donated for research. Aaron Hernandez: Died of Suicide (2017) Derek Boogaard: Died of overdose (2011) Dave Duerson: Died of suicide (2011) top videos View all Demaryius Thomas: Died of Seizure disorder About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 03, 2025, 19:08 IST News explainers Manhattan Shooter Blamed CTE For Rampage: What Is It? Why Is It Common Among NFL Players? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
STV News
30-07-2025
- STV News
NY shooting: Gunman who killed four was targeting NFL office, says city's mayor
A gunman suspected of shooing dead four people in a New York office block – before killing himself – was targeting the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL), but got into the wrong lift, according to the city's mayor, Eric Adams. The suspected gunman has been identified as Shane Devon Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Police have confirmed that Tamura had a history of mental illness and acted alone. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot. In a note found at the scene Tamura claimed he was suffering from a degenerative brain disease, known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). He appeared to blame his condition on the NFL, although he had never played for the league. CTE is often linked to concussions and other repeated head trauma, common in contact sports such as American football. Tamura had previously played the sport in school. Amongst those killed was police officer Didarul Islam, who had been working for the New York Police Department for 3 and a half years. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a briefing that Islam was married with two young boys, and his wife is pregnant with their third child. The names of the other victims are being withheld until their families are notified. Officers stand at attention during the dignified transfer of Didarul Islam. / Credit: AP The shooting happened at 345 Park Avenue, a 634-foot skyscraper that includes offices for the National Football League (NFL), KPMG and Blackstone. Commissioner Tisch said in the news briefing that surveillance footage shows Tamura exiting a black BMW before walking towards the building while carrying an M4 rifle. Police said the gunman's vehicle travelled through Colorado on July 26, then Nebraska and Iowa on July 27. It arrived in New Jersey on Monday afternoon, before making it to New York City on the afternoon of the shooting. Surveillance camera captured an image of the suspected gunman. / Credit: NYPD The Fire Department of New York said emergency crews were called to the Park Avenue office building around 6.30pm after a report of someone shot. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed 'there is an active shooter investigation taking place in Midtown right now' in a post on X. 'Please take proper safety precautions if you are in [the] vicinity and do not go outside if you are near Park Avenue and East 51st Street,' he wrote. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
29-07-2025
- ITV News
New York shooting: Gunman who killed four was targeting NFL office, says city's mayor
A gunman suspected of shooing dead four people in a New York office block - before killing himself - was targeting the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL), but got into the wrong lift, according to the city's mayor, Eric Adams. The suspected gunman has been identified as Shane Devon Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Police have confirmed that Tamura had a history of mental illness and acted alone. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot. In a note found at the scene Tamura claimed he was suffering from a degenerative brain disease, known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). He appeared to blame his condition on the NFL, although he had never played for the league. CTE is often linked to concussions and other repeated head trauma, common in contact sports such as American football. Tamura had previously played the sport in school. Amongst those killed was police officer Didarul Islam, who had been working for the New York Police Department for 3 and a half years. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a briefing that Islam was married with two young boys, and his wife is pregnant with their third child. The names of the other victims are being withheld until their families are notified. The shooting happened at 345 Park Avenue, a 634-foot skyscraper that includes offices for the National Football League (NFL), KPMG and Blackstone. Commissioner Tisch said in the news briefing that surveillance footage shows Tamura exiting a black BMW before walking towards the building while carrying an M4 rifle. Police said the gunman's vehicle travelled through Colorado on July 26, then Nebraska and Iowa on July 27. It arrived in New Jersey on Monday afternoon, before making it to New York City on the afternoon of the shooting. The Fire Department of New York said emergency crews were called to the Park Avenue office building around 6.30pm after a report of someone shot. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed 'there is an active shooter investigation taking place in Midtown right now' in a post on X. 'Please take proper safety precautions if you are in [the] vicinity and do not go outside if you are near Park Avenue and East 51st Street,' he wrote.
Daily Mail
29-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
What is CTE? Doctors explain brain disorder New York shooter Shane Tamura claimed to have
The suspected shooter who killed four people in a Manhattan skyscraper Monday claimed to suffer from the brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, which experts say could explain his violent behavior. Shane Tamura, 27, is accused of driving from Las Vegas to New York City, entering an office building that houses major financial firms and the National Football League and killing four people before shooting himself. In a suicide note Tamura reportedly had in his pocket, he criticized the NFL and claimed to suffer from CTE, which is most commonly seen in athletes who have suffered repeat concussions and brain injuries, causing permanent brain damage. Tamura was once a talented football player and his note, revealed by a source to CNN, stated: 'Terry Long football gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze,' referring to the former NFL player who was diagnosed with CTE and died by suicide after drinking antifreeze in 2005. Authorities have also said Tamura, 27, had a 'documented mental health history' and in the car he was seen exiting before the shooting, they found cannabis and Zoloft, an antidepressant. Studies of American football players have revealed the consequences of repeated head trauma and traumatic brain injuries, including aggression, depression, impulsivity, psychosis, cognitive confusion, and premature death. However, the only way to diagnose CTE is by an autopsy after a person has died, so there is no way to know if the alleged shooter had the condition. Tamura's suicide note said he wanted his brain to be studied Dr Keith Vossel, a neurologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, told 'Often, criminality is not really common with most of the neurodegenerative diseases - criminality or homicidal or suicidal behaviors - but they can occur.' And while not all CTE sufferers will become homicidal or suicidal, those traits 'seem to be more common in the syndrome that we associate with CTE,' Dr Vossel added. Dr Vossel told this website: 'We're pretty sure that CTE is associated with impulsivity, sometimes suicidality, other mental health issues, due to strong association studies. 'It's really difficult to currently definitively prove the connection, but I think we're on the right track.' Dr Harrison Martland, a clinical pathologist, first named the condition 'punch drunk' in 1928, as it was more commonly seen in men who had entered and left the boxing arena multiple times. Since then, research and understanding of the condition have evolved. Doctors have determined that repeated blows to the head generate tau, a small protein found in brain cells that can break off and cause harmful tangles. But there is no test to screen for CTE in living patients, and symptoms often mimic those of Alzheimer's, PTSD, or Parkinson's. Tamura was a former high school football player who left a note in his pocket blaming his actions and mental health crisis on CTE. 'Study my brain please,' the note said. 'I'm sorry.' Dr Carole Lieberman, a board-certified psychiatrist, told 'What stands out in this case is how the NYC gunman chose to shoot himself in the chest rather than the head. 'This highly unusual decision suggests he wanted his brain preserved for autopsy, strongly indicating he believed he had CTE and wanted it confirmed.' To determine CTE in deceased brains researchers look for a buildup of tau in certain parts, including the frontal lobe, which plays a crucial role in problem-solving, self control, emotion regulation, impulsivity, and aggressive behavior. It is not known when, or if, an autopsy will be performed on Tamura. 'We know from other degenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia that when the tau accumulates in regions that control our impulsivity and our social decorum… that can be associated with changes in personality and it can result in behaviors that can be disturbing for those around them,' Dr Vossel said. A 2024 study of nearly 2,000 former football players conducted by Harvard Medical School found that 34 percent think they have CTE, reporting more cognitive problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, chronic pain, and other issues not reported by people who did not believe they had CTE. Doctors have found that hundreds of football players have had CTE over the years. In 2023, the Boston University CTE Center announced that it posthumously diagnosed 345 former NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy out of 376 retired players studied, equating to about 92 percent. Dr Vossel added that not all CTE sufferers become homicidal, but the disease does lead to major personality changes: 'Some people might start with more memory issues, and it's maybe a different rate of decline. 'It could be slower, and it could be older people, and they could look like they have Alzheimer's disease.' He continued: 'And then these more striking cases, the mental health issues tend to be occurring in younger people in whom it might be more difficult to disentangle any pre-existing mental health issue from CTE-related changes.' In the past, NFL athletes who have taken their own lives or those of others have been confirmed post-mortem to have had CTE. Several former players, including Dave Duerson and Junior Seau, died by suicide using firearms. Duerson and Seau intentionally shot themselves in the chest, like Tamura. Both former athletes were later diagnosed with CTE. Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend before driving to Arrowhead Stadium and taking his own life in front of his coach and general manager. According to a post-mortem report, Belcher's brain showed signs of CTE. And former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was diagnosed with late-stage CTE after his 2017 suicide. He had been convicted of murder, having killed Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player, in 2015. In the final years, Hernandez became increasingly paranoid, convinced that people were out to kill him. Dr Lieberman said: 'The connection between neurological injury and sudden acts of violence should not be underestimated.' It is unclear whether Tamura suffered from symptoms linked to CTE, such as cognitive issues. And a post-mortem won't be able to detect if he also had a mental health condition, like depression, or separate any mental health issues he was contending with from symptoms, and consequences, of CTE. Dr Lieberman added: 'Clinical signs, such as mood instability, paranoia, aggression, and suicidal ideation, combined with a history of repeated head trauma, often point to it.
