New Research Seeks to Understand Encephalopathy
By: Cohen, Placitella & Roth @ Apr 18, 2016
Encephalopathy is a devastating degenerative disease that is caused from repetitive brain trauma. Recent news has shed light on the fact that football players who suffered multiple concussions during their years on the field are at high risk for developing the disease. Presently, the condition can only be diagnosed after death – surviving family members must donate the brain of the deceased to researchers for diagnosis.
But new research is hoping to discover a way to diagnose the condition while its victims are still living. In order to move that research forward, a number of universities were recently awarded nearly $16 million. Not a penny of that money came from the NFL.
Unanswered Questions about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
According to a recent article in The New York Times, a more comprehensive understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) could help in the disease’s prevention and treatment. Dr. Robert Stern told reporters that the research may be able to answer questions about methods of detecting and diagnosis CTE, as well as risk factors for the disease.
Who Is Paying for the Research?
In 2012, the NFL pledged $30 million to pay for research on CTE and other brain traumas. However, the $16 million for current research did not come from the NFL. Rather, the study is being funded by the NIH (National Institutes of Health). The NIH has said that the decision to fund the research exclusively was entirely its own. However, according to a report by ESPN, the NFL did not want its money used for the study due to the involvement of researchers from Boston University, who have been critical of the NFL’s way of managing players with concussions. Whether or not this rumor is true is unknown.
Who Is Liable for Traumatic Brain Injuries in Football?
Hopefully, the study will yield more conclusive data regarding encephalopathy and brain trauma, how to prevent it and how to treat it. In the meantime, however, an important question is determining who, if anyone, should be held responsible for traumatic brain injuries that occur on the football field? Various players have filed lawsuits against the NFL. The lawsuits allege that the NFL withheld information about the dangers of concussions and encephalopathy, resulting in multiple concussions throughout certain players’ careers.
If you have suffered multiple concussions or traumatic brain injuries as a result of playing football, or any other sport, you too may have a lawsuit. An attorney can help you to explore your legal options and learn more about your rights.
Contact the Law Firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. Today
No one deserves to suffer a brain injury, and especially not multiple brain injuries. However, when the dangers of concussions are kept secret, a person may not know the long-term effects that multiple concussions may lead to—like Alzheimer’s and dementia. If you believe that another party should be held liable for the head injuries that you have suffered, do not wait any longer to reach out to an attorney. At the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., our experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys, serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania, want to represent you. Contact us today to schedule your free case consultation with our skilled personal injury team.
