In a recent legal battle, former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak filed motions expressing serious concerns for the well-being of her four minor children—KJ, 13, Kash, 12, and twins Kaia and Kane, 11—left in the care of her estranged husband, former NFL player Kroy Biermann. Zolciak, 46, raised fears that Biermann may be suffering from the effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head injuries.
In court documents, Zolciak detailed her significant concerns about Biermann’s mental health, suspecting that his behavior, including emotional outbursts and erratic actions, could be linked to the long-term effects of CTE. This condition, which is common among athletes who have experienced multiple concussions, leads to cognitive decline and severe mood changes, including aggression and emotional instability.
Causes of CTE: Repeated Head Injuries
CTE is caused by repeated concussions or sub-concussive blows to the head. Each impact to the head causes a small amount of damage to the brain, and over time, these repeated traumas can accumulate, leading to the development of CTE. The buildup of an abnormal protein called tau is a hallmark of CTE. This protein clumps together and spreads throughout the brain, causing widespread damage to neurons.
Symptoms of CTE
The symptoms of CTE can be diverse, and they often emerge years or even decades after the individual has sustained repeated brain injuries. The condition’s progression can be gradual, with symptoms worsening over time. Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impulse control issues
- Mood swings and depression
- Anxiety and irritability
- Aggression and violent outbursts
- Motor impairments like tremors or difficulty walking
Diagnosis of CTE
Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, during an autopsy. Researchers examine the brain for the presence of tau protein deposits, which are indicative of the disease. There is ongoing research into developing methods to diagnose CTE in living individuals, but this remains a challenge due to the subtlety of the symptoms and the overlap with other mental health disorders.
Preventing CTE: Protecting the Brain
Given that CTE is a result of repeated head injuries, prevention primarily involves minimizing the risk of traumatic brain injuries. For athletes, this means wearing protective gear, adhering to concussion protocols, and avoiding unnecessary risks in sports. Education about the dangers of head injuries and early intervention when a concussion occurs are also key in reducing the risk of long-term damage.
Experts in the field of neurology and sports medicine have extensively discussed the link between repeated head injuries in contact sports and the development of CTE. Dr. Ann McKee, a prominent neurologist and director of the Boston University CTE Center, has conducted significant research on the subject.
Her studies have shown that former NFL players are at a higher risk of developing CTE due to the nature of the sport. Dr. McKee’s research emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention to manage the symptoms associated with CTE.
Kim Zolciak’s Concerns About Kroy Biermann’s Mental Health
Kim Zolciak has raised serious concerns regarding her estranged husband Kroy Biermann’s mental health in light of his past head injuries. In her February 18, 2025, legal filing, Zolciak suggested that Biermann may be suffering from CTE due to his history as an NFL player. Her concerns about his behavior, which she describes as including angry emotional outbursts and physical aggression, have prompted her to ask the court for a psychological evaluation to determine whether CTE is playing a role in his actions.
Kim Zolciak’s Legal Motion: CTE and Emotional Outbursts
In her motion, Zolciak described Biermann’s behavior as troubling, noting that he has exhibited “angry and emotional outbursts” that sometimes escalate to physical violence. She also mentioned concerns about Biermann’s extreme sexual behavior and emotional instability.
Zolciak pointed to CTE as a possible cause for these symptoms, which are commonly associated with brain degeneration caused by repeated concussions. Zolciak’s request for an independent psychological evaluation of Biermann highlights her belief that understanding the impact of his potential CTE diagnosis is critical to protecting their children and determining a proper custody arrangement.
CTE’s Impact on Behavior: The Link to Emotional Outbursts
The connection between CTE and emotional instability is well-documented in medical literature. Individuals with CTE often exhibit significant changes in mood, aggression, and behavioral regulation. These changes can include irritability, impulsivity, and violent outbursts—behavioral issues that are particularly concerning in a family setting.
In Biermann’s case, Zolciak alleges that his outbursts have affected the children and raised concerns about their safety. She has stated that Biermann has become increasingly controlling, allegedly cutting the children off from communication with their mother and even barricading them at his residence. These behaviors suggest that Biermann’s emotional state may be deteriorating due to the possible effects of CTE.
The Impact of CTE on Family Life
When a family member suffers from CTE, it can disrupt the entire family dynamic. The symptoms of CTE, particularly the emotional and behavioral changes, can create a volatile home environment. For children, growing up in a household with a parent exhibiting aggression, mood swings, and erratic behavior can be emotionally taxing and unsafe.
Zolciak’s legal motion requesting an independent psychological evaluation for Biermann demonstrates the importance of assessing mental health in such situations. By understanding the underlying causes of Biermann’s behavior, it may be possible to determine appropriate steps to address the situation and protect the children from further harm.
Protecting Children from CTE-Related Behavior
As Zolciak seeks to protect her children from the potential dangers associated with Biermann’s alleged CTE symptoms, it becomes evident that family members who notice concerning changes in behavior should seek professional help. Psychological evaluations are crucial for understanding the extent of the problem and for determining the best course of action, particularly when the safety of children is at risk.
What Can Be Done for People with CTE?
While there is currently no cure for CTE, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Therapy, medication, and support from family and professionals can help individuals with CTE navigate the emotional and behavioral challenges they face. Early diagnosis and intervention can play a vital role in improving outcomes for individuals with CTE.
For people like Kroy Biermann, a psychological evaluation may help clarify whether CTE is contributing to the behavior described by Zolciak and determine whether a treatment plan is necessary. With the right support, individuals affected by CTE can better manage their condition, and their families can receive the guidance they need to ensure safety and well-being.
The Need for Awareness and Early Intervention in CTE
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a serious condition that not only impacts the individual’s brain but also affects their loved ones. As evidenced by Kim Zolciak’s concerns regarding Kroy Biermann, CTE can lead to significant emotional and behavioral changes that have a profound impact on family life. The case brings to light the importance of raising awareness about CTE and the need for early diagnosis and intervention.
By increasing understanding and taking proactive steps, both those suffering from CTE and their families can better manage the challenges that come with this debilitating disease. Through professional evaluations, early interventions, and ongoing support, it is possible to mitigate the effects of CTE and protect the well-being of everyone involved.
