Dave Mirra was a BMX superstar. His recent suicide has made national headlines, and speculation about his motivations has been rampant. Allen Thomas, mayor of Mirra’s hometown, believes that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) played a role, comparing Mirra to late NFL star Junior Seau.

CTE can cause depression, but it’s not the only cause

While it’s certainly true that Mirra’s extreme stunts placed him at higher risk for CTE, it is unlikely that the disease was the proximate cause. Mirra had a history of depression, and a TMZ report found that he was extremely depressed following his retirement from the sport in 2011. Friends claim that he was an adrenaline junkie, and struggled to replace the thrill he got from his BMX career.

His suicide and the tentative link to the neurodegenerative disease have cyclists across the country wondering if they, too, are at risk. The short answer? Probably not. Steve Broglio, director of the NeuroTrauma Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan and bicyclist himself, said, “Cyclists have little to fear from the long-term effects of concussions.”

One concussion does not guarantee CTE

Bicycling.com reported, “Researchers believe that CTE becomes a danger when the brain is repeatedly impacted, especially in an already-injured state. ‘The way CTE is often portrayed, people think if they’ve ever had a head injury, they’re going to get CTE,’ says Broglio. And while increased awareness of concussions has certainly led to better treatment, Broglio says the widespread effects of CTE can be ‘blown out of proportion.’”

In addition, said Broglio, concussions are similar to other types of injuries. When the brain is given time to heal properly, most people can expect a full recovery with no lasting symptoms. Repetitive trauma seems to be the key to CTE, and most cyclists are not exposed to the same level of repeat and severe trauma that makes the disease so prevalent in impact sports.

Precautionary measures are often enough to stave off a concussion; bicycle helmets and airbags have gone a long way towards protecting people during an accident. Unfortunately, concussion testing is not reliable enough to determine how long the effects of an accident will be apparent.

If you or someone you know has sustained a head injury during an accident, you need experienced legal counsel on your side. The experienced Tennessee brain injury attorneys at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm can protect your rights and help get you the treatment you need. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Nashville, Gallatin or Knoxville attorney who will fight for you!