There is a fascinating article in The New York Times today about a report to be released on Wednesday in which some athletes and soldiers first diagnosed as having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) really might be suffering from the lingering effects of concussions and brain trauma. Gehrig was not a part of this study, but the research doctors have learned the central nervous system can be affected by these blow in such a way as to mimic A.L.S.
Autopsies were performed on two former N.F.L. players and one boxer who had passed away--after all three were diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease beforehand. The doctors concluded these three former athletes all suffered from a different motor-neuron disease due to the effects of repeated concussions, not A.L.S.
The Times article concludes by recalling well known facts of Lou Gehrig suffering head traumas throughout his athletic career in not only baseball, but by competing in high school and college football. A series of concussions that leads the author to speculate whether Lou Gehrig actually had Lou Gehrig's Disease?
It's a must read article.
Photo Credit, The Virginian-Pilot
Of course Lou Gehrig had Lou Gehrig's Disease. (And as the old joke goes, you'd think he would have seen that one coming.) That's not the question. The question is do all these other people (including a late friend of mine in whose memory I contribute to the ALS Foundation) have Lou Gehrig's disease? Maybe not.
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