Doctor Column

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. From ‘punch drunk’ to CTE; The names have changed, but the brain damage remains. November 5, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD In September 2024, Miami Dolphin quarterback Tuo Tagovailoa “got his bell rung.” He was running for a first down when his helmet made contact with Buffalo Bill’s defensive quarterback, Damar Hamlin. He was knocked unconscious, and suffered his third concussion on the NFL football field. This time, while lying unconscious on his back, his arms temporarily went into the “fencing position” which lasted a few seconds with one arm flexed, and the other arm extended suggesting significant brain trauma.