Football Participation and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

A 13-year-old male athlete presents to the clinic with his parents for a preparticipation physical examination. The athlete has participated in soccer, baseball, and track in the past but is very interested in joining the football team this year. His parents are hesitant for him to participate in football because they have heard about a brain injury in football players called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). They would like your advice regarding whether their child should avoid football due to the risk of developing CTE.
Source: PM and R - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Point/Counterpoint Source Type: research