Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, mental health crises, and a recent shooting.
In this profoundly important episode, Bethany Lewis speaks with Laura Dyer about the tragic loss of her brother, Greg, due to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). Laura, a registered nurse and healthcare leader, shares their family's difficult journey, from Greg's successful football career at the University of Utah to the onset of debilitating symptoms like paranoia, aggression, and psychosis that were misdiagnosed for years as mental illness.
They delve into what CTE is, how it differs from a single concussion, and why it can only be diagnosed posthumously. Laura provides crucial insights from the forefront of CTE research, including the critical role of sub-concussive hits, the stages of the disease, and the ongoing work of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
This conversation is a powerful call for awareness, compassion, and change. While the topic is heavy, Laura emphasizes hope—hope for future diagnostics, hope for better player safety, and hope for individuals and families navigating similar challenges today. If you or a loved one has a history of contact sports or repetitive head trauma, this episode is an essential listen.
Summary
This episode provides a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of CTE through the personal story of Laura Dyer and her brother, Greg. Key points discussed include:
What is CTE? CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head trauma, including both concussions and, crucially, hundreds or thousands of sub-concussive impacts over years.
Greg's Story: A talented football player, Greg began experiencing unexplained symptoms in his twenties, including hearing voices, extreme paranoia, impulsivity, and aggression. He was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, as his football history was never considered a factor by treating physicians.
The Diagnosis: CTE can currently only be diagnosed after death by examining brain tissue. Laura details the process of donating her brother's brain to Boston University for research and the relief and validation the subsequent diagnosis brought the family.
Symptoms and Stages: CTE manifests differently; in younger individuals (20s-30s), it often appears as mental/behavioral issues (anxiety, depression, impulsivity), while in older individuals (50s+), it can resemble dementia. Greg was diagnosed with Stage 2 CTE.
A Message of Hope and Action: Laura stresses that a CTE diagnosis is not a death sentence and that many people live full lives while managing symptoms. She urges anyone concerned—whether athletes or family members—to seek support, use available resources like the Concussion Legacy Foundation, and believe loved ones when they share what they are experiencing.
Advice for Parents and Athletes: The key takeaway is to be aware of the risks of repetitive head trauma in contact sports, take head injuries seriously, and prioritize brain health. While football may not disappear, awareness and safety protocols are improving.
Resources Mentioned:
Concussion Legacy Foundation: https://www.concussionfoundation.org/ (Includes a helpline and resources for support)
Boston University UNITE Brain Bank / CTE Center: https://www.bu.edu/cte/
Podcast Episode with Dr. Diane Spangler on Mental Health & Concussion: Watch on YouTube
Bethany's Free Guide: "The 5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com
The episode concludes with Laura's hope that Greg’s legacy will be one of raising awareness and improving the lives of future athletes, emphasizing that support and resources are available for those who need them.