CTE found in brain tissue Probert

Bob Probert knew was given to the savage beatings and received over 16 seasons as an enforcer in the NHL at its own expense, as he grew up. So he wanted to analyze his brain to, once he is dead.

Although heart failure has finally ended his life last July after 45 years, Probert was also living with a brain damaged.

Researchers at Boston University on Thursday that Probert the degenerative brain disease, had chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The disease was found by the analysis of brain tissue by Probert anyway.

It is the second player in the hockey program of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy with the disease diagnosed after death.
Reggie Fleming, an agent of the 1960s, which was played in front of helmets mandatory took ETC.

CSTE is a collaboration between the Boston University Medical School and the Sports Legacy Institute, to address what he calls the crisis  concussions in sports studied. The group has been at the forefront of research on brain injury in sports and was awarded $ 1,000 , 000 donation from the NFL, which has for better treatment of bruises lobbying.

The family of former Bears safety Dave Duerson agreed to donate their brains trial after he committed suicide last month at 50 years.

During his years as one of the most feared player in the NHL Probert had a value of 3,300 minutes - fifth on the career list in the league. It was the most difficult fight and most productive of his time. Probert, to overcome the problem, an alcohol during their fight to stay in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks from 1985 to 1994 played from 1995 to 2002.


The first results were reported by the New York Times and the Globe and Mail in Toronto on Wednesday night.


Some of the biggest stars of the NHL, including Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh lost time this season because of the effects of a concussion. Crosby has not played since he recorded a few hits in consecutive games in early January.

Commissioner Gary Bettman said during the All-Star break, the tremors are caused appears in court this season, but quickly took note of the increase in incidental or accidental situations, rather than contacting the head of another player.

Although the NHL has set a new standard to surprise him illegal access side of the head, and the CEO of the league will later consider this month, when should the contact of the head are prohibited, was the fight against time is an important part of the professional Thurs

There were signs that the NHL in changing or eliminating this aspect of the sport is interested.


The detailed results of brain tissue Probert will be released only if they submit to a medical journal. His family asked the diagnosis is made publicly available could the dangers of head injuries in sports are considered and to encourage greater efforts to make the sport safer for the brain, says SLI.


Fleming died in 2009 at the age of 73 with dementia after 30 years the deterioration of cognitive and behavioral problems.

Daniel Probst said her husband showed mental decline of about 40 years, new problems and the increase in short-term memory, attention, and moody. These are all symptoms are similar to those reported from other athletes, ETC.



Nowinski has in the past month more than 300 athletes, 100 NFL players in the past, the record of brain donation are CSTE. There are 65 cases in the study. The  brain bank  CSTE is currently 68 copies.

Dr. Ann McKee, Co-Director of the ETSC - reportedly the largest brain bank in the world, analyzed the brains of 40 former athletes and found that 30 showed evidence of CTE. This includes 13 of 14 former NFL players, football players, college and high school hockey players, wrestlers and professional boxer.

CTE, originally as a  pugilistic dementia  because they thought, that affect only boxer known, is a progressive disease of the brain seems to be caused by repeated trauma subconcussive of the brain, including vibration or shock.

It is believed that other undetermined factors such as genetic predisposition, like some people more at risk of developing the disease.

Keith Primeau, a former jockey of the stars who are forced, in 2006 was due to a concussion during a 15-race of the season in the NHL retirement is decided by those who donate his brain.

Probert and Primeau were Red Wings teammates for four seasons.

Hockey is positive measures to protect players from shock and trauma,  he said.  I hope the results of my friend, Bob Probert, accelerate the momentum at all levels of the game.