by Dr. Ungar
Violence and the Hidden Brain Injury: Rethinking CTE in the Wake of the NY Shooter
The tragic events surrounding the New York shooter have reopened a difficult but urgent conversation: What role might undiagnosed neurological disease—specifically Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) —play in acts of sudden, extreme violence? As a degenerative brain condition linked primarily to repeated head trauma, CTE has most often been discussed in the context of professional athletes. However, the emerging evidence of its cognitive, behavioral, and emotional toll—ranging from memory loss and impulsivity to paranoia and aggression—calls for a wider lens.
The man who strode into a midtown Manhattan office building and killed four people before taking his own life on Monday night left a note at the scene in which he appears to wonder whether CTE — the brain disease linked to repeated head trauma — caused him mental illness, according to officials familiar with the investigation.
That note may be key to unraveling a possible motive in the deadly attack at 345 Park Avenue, home to the headquarters of the NFL corporate offices, among other large enterprises.
What Is CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with a history of repetitive brain trauma. While originally observed in boxers (“punch-drunk syndrome”), CTE has since been diagnosed posthumously in football players, veterans, and others exposed to recurrent concussive or sub-concussive impacts. Symptoms may include impulsivity and aggression, suicidality and depression, poor judgment and cognitive decline, and emotional instability and paranoia.
CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, complicating prevention, intervention, and legal accountability.
CTE and Violence: Causation or Correlation?
While not all individuals with CTE become violent, several high-profile cases—including former NFL players like Aaron Hernandez — have led researchers to explore the link between neurotrauma and behavioral outbursts. Neuroscientist Dr. Ann McKee, one of the leading experts in CTE, has described the damage as affecting the brain’s frontal lobes — areas responsible for impulse control, judgment, and emotional regulation. (very similar to Mental illness diagnosis)
In the case of the NY shooter, preliminary reports suggest a history of contact sports and possible behavioral changes over time. Though speculative at this stage, such patterns demand scrutiny—not as excuses, but as part of a public health and legal reckoning.
CTE, Responsibility, and the Justice System
How should courts deal with neurodegenerative diseases that alter personality, behavior, and self-control? The law traditionally emphasizes intention and culpability, but neuroscience increasingly complicates these categories. Should a person with confirmed CTE be treated the same as someone without? And how does one address the victims’ trauma while acknowledging neurological illness in the perpetrator?
This is not to minimize harm or shift blame—but rather to call for a more nuanced intersection of science, medicine, and justice.
The NY shooting is a tragedy. But if we stop at condemnation, we miss the opportunity to ask why—and to explore how hidden brain injuries may distort judgment, amplify rage, and erode the boundaries of accountability. We need science, compassion, and public safety—not in competition, but in concert.
Understanding CTE’s role in violence doesn’t excuse harmful actions or diminish victims’ suffering. Instead, it opens pathways to prevention, more effective treatment, and a justice system better equipped to handle the complex realities of brain disease. As we continue to uncover the hidden epidemic of traumatic brain injury, we must balance accountability with the recognition that some perpetrators may themselves be victims of invisible neurological damage.
The conversation is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Only by confronting these difficult questions can we hope to prevent future tragedies while building a more just and informed society.
ABOUT DR. UNGAR:
Dr. Ungar, a neurologist and pain management specialist, is featured in PanoramaNOW articles, particularly those focused on healthcare and local events in the Merrillville and Chicago areas, where he has his practice. He is also involved in community events, including emergency response drills with the US Coast Guard in Merrillville. Recent articles highlight his work in understanding conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and his perspective on integrating spirituality into healthcare.
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Neurologist and Pain Management Specialist:
Dr. Ungar’s expertise lies in neurology and pain management, with a special interest in the intersection of spirituality and chronic pain, according to PanoramaNOW.
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Local Practice:
He has been practicing in the Merrillville and Chicago areas since 2002.
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Community Engagement:
Dr. Ungar has participated in emergency response drills with the US Coast Guard in the Midwest. He also led a water safety exercise for the Coast Guard.
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Published in Journal of Behavioral Health:
He contributed an article to the “Journal of Behavioral Health” in January 2025, discussing the work of neurologist Iain McGilchrist and the importance of the brain’s hemispheric division.
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MS Awareness:
Dr. Ungar has spoken about Multiple Sclerosis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking help.
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Spiritual and Medical Integration:
Dr. Ungar’s work also explores the integration of spirituality and medicine, drawing on Kabbalistic wisdom and Eastern and Western understandings of divinity.
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What Works:He is also associated with the development of the “What Works” manual, a resource for building resilience programs.
MORE DR. UNGAR ARTICLES . . .
The Difference Between an Additive and an Adulterant
Knowing what goes into the goods and medicines we consume is much more complicated than reading the ingredients label. The development of rules surrounding ingredients comes from a long history of shady business practices. The difference between an additive and an adulterant is at the heart of this topic. The fight to keep consumable products safe continues to this day.
CONTINUE READING . . .
Dr. Ungar Attends the US Coast Guard’s National Training Summit in Dallas Texas
US Coast Guard units in maritime areas, such as the coast of Texas conducted safety patrols and special operations during the 2025 Labor Day weekend 2025. The Coast Guard Auxiliary National Training Summit was held in Dallas, Texas in August, 2025 The summit served as a venue for connecting with Auxiliarists and for training focused on the…
Dr. Ungar Presented Enhancing Maritime Security And Preparedness
By Julian Ungar-Sargon, MD PhD — Marine Safety Officer, Division 1 District 8-ER
Reimagining Maritime Safety for a New Era
As maritime activities expand across both commercial and recreational sectors, the Coast Auxiliary Marine Safety (CAMS) program has evolved dramatically to meet 2025’s unique challenges. No longer just focused on coastal regions, today’s CAMS maintains vigilant watch over America’s complex network of rivers, lakes, and inland waterways that serve as vital transportation corridors and recreational havens.
Continue Reading . . .
Neurologist Dr. Ungar Gets Published Regarding the Two Hemispheres of the Brain
In continuation of Dr. Ungar’s previous essays that have outlined the work of neurologist lain McGilchrist, Dr. Ungar was published in January 2025 edition of the “Journal of Behavioral Health.” Dr. Ungar points out that fellow Neurologist McGilchrist has argued that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to…
New Research Show Earlier Detection of #Alzheimer’s Than Previously Known
A groundbreaking study has unveiled that Lewy body disease, a leading neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s, may begin as early as middle age. This challenges previous beliefs that symptoms only appear later in life. Key Findings: Utilizing Finnish forensic autopsy data, researchers discovered markers of Lewy body disease in 9% of individuals…
Dr Ungar – A Local Chicago / Merrillville Doctor Offers Immigration Exams
Immigration to the USA is strict. Certain medical conditions can make you ineligible to enter the country. Whether you’re planning a short visit or aiming to stay permanently, you must prove you won’t endanger public safety or pose a health risk. Medical inadmissibility is uncommon in immigration. In rare cases, a…
The Difference Between an Additive and an Adulterant
Knowing what goes into the goods and medicines we consume is much more complicated than reading the ingredients label. The development of rules surrounding ingredients comes from a long history of shady business practices. The difference between an additive and an adulterant is at the heart of this topic. The fight to keep consumable products safe continues to this day.
Continue Reading . . .
Local Merrillville Neurologist, Dr. Ungar, Speaks Out About the Luigi Mangione Case
On December the 9th, Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old engineering graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, was arrested and charged with murdering Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, America’s biggest health insurer, in a pre-dawn assassination in Manhattan on December the 4th.
Continue Reading . . .
Dr Ungar Talks about Spotting Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms and Seeking Help!
by Dr. Ungar
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: Spotting Symptoms and Seeking Help!
Let’s shed light on Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that requires our attention and understanding. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial: Common MS Symptoms: Fatigue Numbness or tingling Muscle weakness Difficulty…
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The Pure Fat Loss Challenge Kick Off Northwest Indiana
You are Invited to the Pure Fat Loss Challenge Kick off Event, held on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center 5:30 – 8:15, located in the Middle of Northwest Indiana! at 6600 Broadway, Merrillville, Indiana, just half mile West of I-65 and Hwy 30! Share with your friends to…
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
