New Study Says Repeated Hits to Head, Not Just Concussions, Can Cause CTE

A Boston University study released Thursday provided scientific evidence that repeated hits to the head, even those that do not produce concussion or concussion-like symptoms, can lead to the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

The study, which was published in the scientific journal Brain, calls into question the NFL's current method of dealing with head injuries, which focuses primarily on concussion symptoms. It also highlights the danger young athletes face while playing contact sports.

"We've had an inkling that subconcussive hits — the ones that don't [show] neurological signs and symptoms — may be associated with CTE," Dr. Lee Goldstein, an associate…