The Neuro Collective Podcast

Scars You Can’t See- What CTE Reveals About the Athlete’s Brain- Episode 105

Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell

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It’s football season and while we admire the power and artistry of athletes on the field, there’s a hidden side to high-impact sports that often goes unseen: brain injuries. In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell dive deep into CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) the brain condition caused by repeated head impacts.

We unpack what really happens inside the brain after concussions and microtraumas, explore the emotional and mental health consequences for athletes, and reveal how delayed symptoms can change lives years later. From stories in the dissection lab to prevention strategies like baseline testing, functional neurology, and brain mapping, this conversation is a must-listen for parents, athletes, and coaches who want to understand the hidden costs of the game and how to protect the brain for a lifetime.

If you or someone you know is in sports, share this episode—it might just be the play that protects their future.