By Annette Pinder

Boy fullback holding American football in uniform

The movie Concussion will be available at Amazon, Netflix and Redbox on March 15. It is a great movie – compelling and well-deserving of our attention.

Concussion tells the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist who discovers the first case of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a progressive degenerative disease) in a pro football player. Played by Will Smith, Omalu tries to alert the public to his findings, but the NFL denies his conclusions and stops his efforts to get the organization to address these problems.

Mechtler headshot

The Brain Injury Research Institute says CTE afflicts people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries, such as athletes who take part in contact sports, members of the military and others. Laszlo Mechtler, M.D., Medical Director of Dent Neurologic Institute, explains, “The brain of an individual suffering from CTE gradually deteriorates over time, losing mass. CTE symptoms can include memory loss, impulsive and erratic behavior, impaired judgment, aggression, depression, balance issues, and dementia.

CTE received widespread media attention following the suicide deaths of NFL player Junior Seau and professional wrestler Chris Benoit who committed suicide after murdering his wife and son. Over 35 NFL players have died from CTE, many more are living with its symptoms, and in 2013 the NFL reached a settlement with 4500 players or their estates for concussion-related injuries.

CNN recently talked about Debra Pyka, who signed her son Joseph up for football when he was 11 years. She had no idea that her son would be dead at 25. Joseph hung himself in his mother’s shed, his brain found to have severe CTE. Pyka said, “After high school Joseph was depressed, angry, paranoid, and withdrew from sports and his friends. All the symptoms were there.”

Dr. Omalu points out in a New York Times article that we have changed our societal attitudes and practices knowing the harmful effects of asbestos, smoking and alcohol. He asks why, despite our knowledge that repetitive blows to the head in high impact sports cause permanent brain damage, do we continue to intentionally expose our children to this risk? He wonders why parents and coaches are making decisions for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society who are unable to make an informed decision for themselves? Dr. Omalu says we should not, and Dr. Mechtler agrees.

“We have a legal age for drinking alcohol; for joining the military; for voting; for smoking; for driving; and for consenting to have sex. We must have the same when it comes to protecting the organ that defines who we are as human beings,” says Dr. Oamalu.

Drs. Laszlo Mechtler and his team at Dent Neurologic Institute, which includes Drs. Jennifer McVige, Mohammad M. Qasaymeh, Nicolas Saikali, and Aubrey Duquin-Bottoms are currently working to educate the community and local area physicians about this irreversible disease. In the meantime, watch Concussion. Trust me, you won’t be bored. It’s engaging from beginning to end, and it’s important. The knowledge you gain may even save the life of someone you love.

Learn more about CTE at www.bennetomalufoundation.org. Learn more about Dent’s Headache and Concussion Center at www.dentinstitute.com, and call 716.250.2000 to make an appointment.