As an Army veteran, I found the portrayal of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in Brilliant Minds season 1, episode 5 particularly poignant and accurate. Having served for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that combat can have on the human brain. The way they depicted CTE was both informative and heart-wrenching, shedding light on a condition that is often overlooked or misunderstood.
In the fifth episode of ‘Brilliant Minds’ season 1, it initially seemed as though Wolf was interacting with a Marine suffering from PTSD. But this assumption proved false. Contrary to speculation, it wasn’t a case of the authorities implanting a chip in his brain.
He was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as CTE. This is something that usually affects sports players, but in this case, it affected a group of Marines. It made sense to an Army vet. Dr. Nichols was able to take Wolf to a gun range to explain it.
However, I’d like to clarify what you mean by CTE. Is it a legitimate diagnosis, or is it something that only exists within the context of ‘Brilliant Minds’? It should be noted that as of now, ‘Brilliant Minds’ has not invented anything.
CTE is a real diagnosis outside of Brilliant Minds
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) represents one form of traumatic brain injury. This condition is known to progress over time, and unfortunately, as Marine Steve Hill discovered in the series, no known cure currently exists for it.
Repeated concussions, particularly from sports-related traumatic brain injuries, seem to increase the likelihood of this condition. Interestingly, it’s more prevalent among athletes than other populations. Research at Indiana University suggests that the accumulation of an unusual tau protein form might be responsible. This abnormal protein could potentially impair brain cells.
The exact number of individuals experiencing persistent issues after multiple concussions or brain injuries hasn’t been definitively determined yet. Not everyone who experiences these injuries develops long-term complications, making it challenging to diagnose and potentially find a treatment for it.
The problem is that CTE is progressive and degenerative. It starts off with symptoms like memory loss and aggression. It can lead to erratic behavior, suicidal tendencies, trouble balancing, and more. Many of the symptoms are similar to patients with dementia.
A definitive diagnosis for this condition can only be made postmortem, as it requires examination of the brain tissue. Nevertheless, doctors may make a presumptive diagnosis based on significant symptoms suggestive of its presence.
For numerous individuals, this diagnosis is heart-wrenching. We observed Steve’s despair as he felt his life had come to an end upon receiving it. However, Wolf doesn’t want to abandon a patient in distress, so he assisted Steve in finding strategies to manage the condition. Researchers and medical professionals continue their efforts in identifying and addressing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Brilliant Minds airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC. Catch up the following day on Peacock.
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2024-10-22 16:23