NFL Player Suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Scientists analyzed the brain tissue of NFL linebacker Junior Seau after his suicide last year and have concluded that the football player suffered a debilitating brain disease likely caused by years of hits to the head.

In May 2012, Seau shot himself in the chest at his home, leaving behind four children and many questions. Seau's family donated his brain to neuroscientists at the National Institutes for Health who are conducting ongoing research on traumatic brain injury and football players.

A team of independent researchers who did not know they were studying Seau's brain all concluded he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease typically caused by multiple hits to the head. Dr. Russell Lonser, chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Ohio State University, led the study of Seau's brain while he was at NIH. Dr. Lonser stated, "What was found in Junior Seau's brain was cellular changes consistent with CTE."

CTE can only be diagnosed after death. However, those who suffer from the condition display symptoms such as impulsivity, forgetfulness, depression, and sometimes suicidal ideation.  Seau's family described to ABC News and ESPN a long descent into depression in the years leading up to his death. Gina Seau, his ex-wife, said the football player had difficulty sleeping and became withdrawn and "detached emotionally" from his children. He himself described his mood as "low" and "dark."

Of note is the fact that more than 30 NFL players have in recent years been diagnosed with CTE, a condition once known as "punch drunk" because it affected boxers who had taken multiple blows to the head.

Last year, some 4,000 retired players filed lawsuits against the league over its alleged failure to protect players from brain injuries. The NFL has said it did not intentionally hide the dangers of concussions from players and is doing everything it can now to protect them.