- Mark Carroll says he suffers from anxiety due to his chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- He says his voice has been affected by his constricted throat.
- For confidential support, call Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Rugby league legend Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll has spoken out about the alarming new symptom of his suspected brain disorder after being told he was suffering from a deadly illness that has been linked to concussions.
Carroll, 57, made an appointment for brain tests last year after watching a devastating program about Southwest great Mario Fenech’s tragic battle with dementia, and said his neurologist later told him he has chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease.
CTE, which is associated with exposure to repeated head trauma, causes memory loss, confusion, depression and progressive dementia and can only be properly diagnosed after death.
Carroll took to social media on Wednesday to explain how the condition is now affecting his voice.
“I just wanted to explain why I sound like that,” she said in a video clip posted on Instagram.
“I wish it was a blow to the throat like my great friend Geoff Toovey or Gary Larson received. Unfortunately, these are symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
“I have anxiety. Why? I have no idea. But I have a very strong tension throughout my body and that’s why I have this bleeding throat problem.”
‘To the people who have texted me after hearing me on the radio and on Fox: I’m doing everything I can to be the best.’
Mark Carroll (pictured with daughter Indi) says he suffers from anxiety and muscle stiffness due to an incurable brain disease and it is affecting his voice.
Carroll, one of the toughest players to ever step on the pitch, revealed he asked his doctor if he was going to die after receiving devastating news from a brain scan in 2023.
Carroll wrote in the caption of the post: ‘I want to take a minute to thank you all for your support and kindness towards my recent and ongoing struggles with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. If you or anyone you know is struggling or has similar symptoms or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Together we are stronger.’
Carroll was distraught after receiving the news from his neurologist last year.
“Dude, I just burst into tears,” he said.
“I said, ‘Am I going to die? ‘ It was a week after (former star player and coach) Paul Green took his own life.
“It’s horrible, you give everything but you don’t want to hear the consequences.”
Carroll admits he considered suicide after hearing the news, but now wants to do everything he can to help other players who are suffering.
“It’s not a good situation, knowing that you want to try to get rid of yourself,” he said.
Carroll (pictured with wife Monique and daughter Indi) has been open about the horrific health battle he is about to face.
“I just want them to step forward and break the silence that I was in too.”
The former Souths and Manly player says he now has “good days and bad days” but would like the NRL to cover the costs of players needing to have brain scans.
“There is a duty of care, I truly believe that,” he said.
‘Take care of the players from my era and also my heroes from the era before that and the eras before that.
“It costs $900 for a PET scan. We’re not covered by Medicare or any health fund, but any player who lives quietly like me… can come and get tested, and the league picks up the bill.”