Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative disease believed to be related to repetitive brain trauma such as concussions and other head injuries. It is often observed in athletes in football, ice hockey, boxing and professional wrestling, and in soldiers who have suffered blast injuries. Clinical diagnostic criteria are being developed as confirmatory diagnosis can only be made after death currently.

Symptoms of CTE

The core features are cognitive impairment and neurobehavioral dysregulation (difficulty in controlling one’s emotions, reactions and behavior). Mood is often affected. A history of substantial repetition of multiple head impacts is required. Symptoms may appear years, even decades, after injuries. CTE has a progressive course.