The movie Concussion, starring Will Smith, dramatically portrays the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu and his discovery of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in the brains of deceased NFL players; while impactful, it takes liberties with the timeline and some character portrayals, but its core message about the dangers of repeated head trauma in football, and the NFL’s initial resistance to acknowledging the problem, is largely and alarmingly true. While some dramatic license was employed for narrative effect, the film’s central depiction of the scientific discovery and the subsequent struggle to bring CTE to public awareness rings horrifyingly true.
The Real Science Behind the Drama
Concussion is a powerful film, but viewers often wonder: how much of what they see on screen is fact, and how much is fiction? While the movie excels at raising awareness, a closer examination reveals both accurate portrayals and dramatic embellishments. The fundamental science depicted—the existence of CTE and its link to repetitive head trauma—is demonstrably accurate, supported by decades of subsequent research.
Dr. Bennet Omalu: The Unlikely Pioneer
The portrayal of Dr. Bennet Omalu as an outsider facing a powerful organization is largely accurate. He truly was a forensic pathologist with limited knowledge of American football who stumbled upon a groundbreaking discovery. His initial findings, while met with skepticism, laid the groundwork for understanding the devastating effects of repeated concussions. The movie accurately depicts his persistence in the face of professional and personal challenges.
The Discovery of CTE: A Scientific Breakthrough
The film portrays the discovery of CTE as a pivotal moment in medical history, which it undoubtedly was. The movie is correct to show that Dr. Omalu’s initial findings stemmed from his meticulous autopsy of Mike Webster, a former Pittsburgh Steelers center. The visualization of tau protein tangles in the brain tissue is also accurately depicted, representing the hallmark pathology of CTE.
The NFL’s Response: Resistance and Denial
This is perhaps the most controversial aspect of the film, and where the movie’s accuracy is most striking. The movie depicts the NFL’s initial response as dismissive and resistant, a characterization that aligns with much of the documented history. The League did initially downplay the link between football and long-term brain damage, questioning Dr. Omalu’s methodology and expertise. While the movie intensifies certain interactions for dramatic effect, the underlying truth of resistance is undeniable.
Fact vs. Fiction: Nuances and Embellishments
While Concussion gets many crucial aspects right, some elements were altered or exaggerated for dramatic purposes. This is common practice in biographical films, but it’s important to distinguish fact from artistic license.
Timelines and Character Relationships
The film compresses timelines and simplifies complex relationships for narrative clarity. Some secondary characters are composites, and the exact sequence of events may differ from what occurred in reality. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, but it’s crucial to remember that the movie is a dramatization, not a documentary.
The Level of Personal Threat
The film portrays Dr. Omalu and his family facing significant personal threats and harassment. While Dr. Omalu certainly experienced professional challenges and skepticism, the extent of the direct threats depicted in the movie has been debated. Some argue that these aspects were amplified to increase the dramatic tension.
The Focus on Specific Players
While Mike Webster’s case is pivotal, the film focuses heavily on him. In reality, Dr. Omalu examined other players’ brains and contributed to a broader understanding of CTE across various professions experiencing repetitive head trauma, including military personnel and boxers.
FAQs: Understanding Concussion and CTE
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the topic and separate fact from fiction:
FAQ 1: What exactly is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?
CTE is a progressive degenerative brain disease found in individuals with a history of repetitive brain trauma, including concussions and subconcussive hits. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
FAQ 2: How is CTE diagnosed?
Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed through a post-mortem autopsy of the brain. Researchers are actively working on developing methods for detecting CTE in living individuals, but no reliable diagnostic test exists yet.
FAQ 3: What are the symptoms of CTE?
The symptoms of CTE can vary widely but commonly include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and eventually, dementia. These symptoms can manifest years, or even decades, after the initial head trauma.
FAQ 4: Is CTE only found in football players?
No. While Concussion focused on NFL players, CTE has been found in individuals involved in various activities with a risk of repetitive head trauma, including boxing, hockey, military service, and even victims of domestic violence.
FAQ 5: How many concussions does it take to develop CTE?
There is no definitive number of concussions required to develop CTE. The risk likely depends on various factors, including the severity and frequency of head trauma, genetics, and individual susceptibility. It’s important to note that subconcussive hits, even those that don’t result in noticeable symptoms, can also contribute to the development of CTE.
FAQ 6: Is there a cure for CTE?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for CTE. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Research is ongoing to explore potential therapies that could slow down or even reverse the progression of the disease.
FAQ 7: What is the NFL doing to address the issue of concussions and CTE?
The NFL has implemented several measures to address the issue, including rule changes aimed at reducing head impacts, increased medical staffing at games, and funding for research into concussion and CTE. However, some critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that more needs to be done to protect players’ long-term brain health.
FAQ 8: What is “subconcussive impact,” and why is it important?
A subconcussive impact is a blow to the head that doesn’t cause immediate, noticeable symptoms of a concussion. While seemingly less severe, repeated subconcussive impacts can still contribute to brain damage over time, potentially increasing the risk of CTE.
FAQ 9: How are youth sports addressing concussion risks?
Many youth sports leagues have implemented concussion protocols that require players to be removed from play if they exhibit concussion symptoms. These protocols often include mandatory medical evaluation and a gradual return-to-play process. Education for coaches, parents, and athletes is also crucial.
FAQ 10: Are there any genetic factors that might make someone more susceptible to CTE?
Research suggests that genetics may play a role in an individual’s susceptibility to CTE. Specific genes related to inflammation, tau protein metabolism, and brain repair may influence the risk of developing the disease after repetitive head trauma. More research is needed to fully understand these genetic factors.
FAQ 11: What role does inflammation play in CTE development?
Inflammation is believed to be a key factor in the development of CTE. Repetitive head trauma can trigger an inflammatory response in the brain, which can damage brain cells and contribute to the accumulation of tau protein.
FAQ 12: What can individuals do to protect themselves from concussions and CTE?
The most important step is to reduce the risk of head trauma. This includes using proper protective equipment, following safety rules in sports and other activities, and seeking medical attention after any head injury. Raising awareness about the dangers of concussions and CTE is also crucial for promoting safer practices.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Awareness
While Concussion takes creative liberties, it serves as a potent reminder of the serious consequences of repetitive head trauma. The film’s lasting impact lies in its ability to raise public awareness and fuel critical conversations about player safety, ethical responsibilities, and the long-term health of athletes at all levels. The story of Dr. Omalu, whether perfectly accurate in every detail or not, forced a reckoning with the NFL and pushed for change that continues to evolve today. The truth of CTE, and the need to prevent it, remains a vital concern.