Inside the brain of a suspected CTE patient | ABC News
ABC News In-depth
4 min, 42 sec
The video explores the story of Gordy Kirk Vangelis, a former athlete with probable CTE resulting from years of repeated head impacts from contact sports.
Summary
- Gordy Kirk Vangelis, a former rugby, karate, and boxing competitor, has a brain affected by repeated sports-related impacts.
- His symptoms and brain scans suggest probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a type of dementia linked to repeated head injuries.
- Repeated hits to the head, even without symptoms, can lead to the accumulation of the Tau protein in the brain, which is associated with CTE.
- While CTE can currently only be fully diagnosed post-mortem, living patients like Gordy are diagnosed with 'probable CTE' based on symptoms and tests.
- Gordy is on medication that has improved his life, and based on his experiences, he would not allow his son to play heavy contact sports.
Chapter 1
Gordy Kirk Vangelis is introduced, and his athletic history in rugby, karate, and boxing is highlighted.
- Gordy, now 54, has a history of competitive sports including rugby, karate, and boxing.
- He has experienced severe impacts during fights causing temporary memory loss known as 'the chicken dance'.
Chapter 2
Gordy's brain shows significant signs of injury, and he experiences symptoms like short-term memory loss.
- Years of repeated head impacts have led to white lesions and scarring on Gordy's brain, indicating damage.
- Gordy's friend noticed his short-term memory issues, prompting him to seek medical tests.
Chapter 3
The video explains CTE, its history, and the brain changes associated with the condition.
- CTE, a type of dementia, is linked to repeated head injuries and was historically known as dementia pugilistica in boxers.
- It involves the accumulation of the Tau protein in the brain, causing damage to brain tissue and affecting functions like memory.
Chapter 4
Repetitive, often symptomless head hits are a key factor in developing CTE.
- Concussions and repetitive hits to the head, even without immediate symptoms, contribute to the development of CTE.
- The total number and force of hits to the head are significant factors in who may develop CTE.
Chapter 5
CTE is diagnosed post-mortem, but symptoms guide probable diagnoses in living patients, and public fear of CTE is addressed.
- Currently, CTE can only be confirmed through an autopsy, but symptoms and tests lead to 'probable CTE' diagnoses in the living.
- The publicity around CTE has led to fear and self-diagnosis, which can deter individuals from seeking medical care and treatment.
Chapter 6
Gordy's treatment has improved his quality of life, and he advises against letting children play heavy contact sports.
- Gordy's medication has significantly improved his cognitive function and mood.
- Based on his experience with probable CTE, Gordy would not allow his son to participate in heavy contact sports.