Soccer player Curtis Baushke died after suffering multiple concussions, despite playing a “safer sport” according to The New York Times.
Sadly, Curtis wrote a paper titled “Concussions” for a college class five years before his death. In his essay, Curtis recalls gruesome migraine headaches after suffering concussions on the soccer field.
Curtis played soccer and baseball during his childhood. Although he excelled at both sports, he eventually chose to concentrate on soccer. “He wanted to play a safe sport like soccer,” his father, Bill Baushke, recalled.
Curtis suffered multiple head injuries during freshman year while playing for the varsity team. He experienced postconcussive symptoms such as depression, dramatic mood swings and migraine headaches.
Curtis continued to struggle after high school. He visited multiple migraine specialists and had his brain scanned for tumours, to no avail. After researching his symptoms on the Internet, Curtis insisted he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.). He did not receive treatment for C.T.E. and his claims were dismissed.
Tragically, Curtis died from an accidental dose of prescription drugs. A few months later, Boston University researchers determined Curtis had Stage 2 C.T.E. His brain showed clear evidence of deterioration – surprising, given his young age.
According to CBC, Dr. David Robinson, a primary care sports medicine doctor, is concerned that soccer concussions are not taken as seriously as head injuries sustained while playing hockey or football.
For more information
- An Athlete Felled by Concussions, Despite Playing a ‘Safer’ Sport; The New York Times
- Heading in soccer may have long-term cognitive effects: researchers; CBC
