What is CTE, and did it play a role in the NYC shooting?

The Tragic Case of Shane Tamura and the Link to Brain Injury

A man accused of fatally shooting four people in Manhattan has reportedly claimed that he suffered from a degenerative brain injury caused by repeated trauma. According to police, Shane Tamura, 27, left behind a three-page note in his wallet stating that he had a brain disease and requested that the National Football League study his brain. While repeated brain trauma can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the condition is only definitively diagnosed after death.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic emphasize that CTE is not linked to a single brain injury but rather to repeated head injuries, such as concussions. These injuries are commonly associated with contact sports like football or military combat. However, it’s important to note that the diagnosis of CTE remains challenging and requires post-mortem examination.

Tamura, who played high school football outside of Los Angeles, did not continue playing beyond that level. Police reported that he shot himself in the chest rather than in the head. His note contained the message: “Study my brain, please. I’m sorry.”

Despite his belief that he suffered from CTE, Dr. Robert Cantu, co-founder and medical director at the Concussion Legacy Foundation, stated that it is unlikely Tamura actually had the condition. He described the tragedy of Tamura’s actions as heartbreaking and warned that believing one has CTE could lead to a loss of hope and potentially self-harm or harm others.

The Prevalence of CTE Among Young Athletes

A 2023 study conducted by the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center revealed that CTE is common among youth sports participants. The research found that over 40% of young athletes who died before the age of 30 were diagnosed with CTE, with cases reported as early as age 17.

The study analyzed the brains of 152 donors, all of whom participated in contact sports and died under the age of 30. Of these, 63 individuals were found to have CTE, with most cases considered mild. Notably, 70% of those diagnosed with CTE had only played amateur sports, highlighting the potential risks even for non-professional athletes.

Dr. Cantu noted that those with Stage 1 or Stage 2 CTE often exhibited similar symptoms to those without the diagnosis. Many of the brains studied showed primarily psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues like irritability. What concerned researchers most was the difficulty in distinguishing between those with and without CTE based on symptoms alone.

Understanding the Symptoms of CTE

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are no specific symptoms directly linked to CTE. However, individuals with degenerative brain injuries may experience changes in cognition, behavior, and mood. Common behavioral changes include impulsivity and aggression, while depression or apathy is also frequently observed.

Symptoms of CTE typically manifest in two ways. Those in their 20s or 30s may experience depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, or aggression, while older individuals may face memory loss and cognitive difficulties. Dr. Cantu emphasized that CTE is a progressive condition that leads to a decline in brain health over time.

He also pointed out that while CTE can cause significant concern, it is statistically rare for someone to develop the condition without extensive exposure to head trauma. In most cases, players would need to participate in at least five years of football, including two years at the high school level, to be at significant risk.

The Importance of Seeking Help

Repeated blows to the head can result in traumatic brain injury, but it generally takes thousands of such incidents to lead to CTE, according to Dr. Cantu. He highlighted the warning signs of brain trauma, including mood changes, the onset of anxiety or depression, or unusual reactions to situations.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek professional help to address their concerns before feelings of hopelessness escalate into more severe consequences. Dr. Cantu stressed that understanding and addressing potential mental health issues is crucial to preventing tragic events like the shooting in Manhattan.

“Something awful was done because a person thought they had CTE,” he said. “If you think you have CTE, you should go to a health professional and get appropriate therapy because there are treatments available.”