December 18, 2009

Former NHLer Reggie Fleming had condition linked to concussions at time of death : Even in death, Reggie Fleming’s brain is sending messages. Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine have determined the former NHL player, who endured multiple concussions during his career, suffered from degenerative brain disease at the time of his death. This marks the first time a hockey player has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and adds to the growing concern about the long-term effect of concussions in hockey and the price exacted by the game’s physical nature. “The changes in [Fleming’s] brain were very similar to the changes we’ve found in [12] football players and [five] boxers,” McKee said. “This case also points out that individuals who suffer from CTE are often misdiagnosed during life and may be told that they are suffering from a psychiatric disorder, such as bipolar disease, or later in life, from Alzheimer’s disease.”

From the New York Times on same issue: Brain Damage Found in Hockey Player

posted by tommytrump to hockey at 02:07 PM - 1 comment

I don't really have anything to add to the article. I just wanted to thank you for posting such an interesting read. The speed of the game has become incredible, and I hope the issue of head injuries is addressed by hockey in its various forms soon. I played for 20+ years and to my knowledge only suffered one concussion, but players have gotten bigger and faster and the game more wide-open since then.

posted by tahoemoj at 08:02 PM on December 18, 2009

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