Rugby league legend Wally Lewis has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after a recent scan of his brain left both him and his doctor stunned. Lewis, who is widely known as ‘the King,’ expressed his shock at the severity of the brain scans, with his doctor even tearing up upon seeing them.
Lewis had been experiencing memory loss for some time and decided to seek medical attention. When comparing his recent scan to previous ones, he was taken aback by the significant abnormalities. Expecting to see only a small mark, he was gobsmacked by the extent of the damage.
Recalling past concussions earlier in his career, Lewis mentioned that the doctors would point out smaller, less concerning spots on previous scans. However, this time, his doctor was visibly emotional, stating that she had never seen anything quite like it. Lewis’s biggest symptoms were memory loss and recurring headaches.
Lewis has no regrets about his NRL career in light of the diagnosis but wishes he might have approached the game differently. He acknowledged that his playing style may have contributed to his condition, primarily due to how he positioned his head improperly while attempting tackles. Lewis emphasizes that the game should not be blamed, but instead, individuals should take responsibility for the way they play.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a form of dementia caused by repeated concussions or head injuries. It can have a significant impact on brain function, interfering with daily functioning and work life. Dementia Australia’s chief executive, Maree McCabe, thanked Lewis for sharing his story, highlighting the preventable nature of CTE through effective management of head injuries and concussions.
Lewis plans to return to Sydney to discuss his future plans and treatment options with his doctor. While his diagnosis is undoubtedly challenging, Lewis remains optimistic, noting that the focus should be on finding positive ways to deal with the situation.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis played for the Queensland Maroons and the Brisbane Broncos, cementing his status as a rugby league icon. The news of his CTE diagnosis sheds light on the potential risks associated with repeated head injuries in contact sports.
While Lewis’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of player safety and concussion management protocols, it also raises questions about the long-term effects of participating in high-contact sports. As more attention is directed toward head injuries in sports, additional research and preventive measures may be implemented to protect athletes from the potential consequences of repeated head trauma.
