Neurologist weighs in on CTE, concussion risks as youth sports season begins

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A new study is raising questions about the potential long-term effects of repeated head injuries in football as youth sports get underway across Wisconsin.

Researchers found at least one in four NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head impacts.

Dr. Kate Essid, a neurologist with Aurora Health Care who specializes in concussions, joined CBS 58 to discuss what parents, coaches and athletes should know about head injuries and the uncertainties that remain surrounding CTE.