Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

I often have athletes approach me with concerns that they may be developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). So, what is CTE?

CTE is a brain disease associated with repeated head injuries. It has been studied in contact-sport athletes, military personnel, and other populations who have experienced multiple head injuries.

It was first identified by a pathologist from Nigeria Dr. Bennet Omaluhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennet_Omalu, later documented in the movie Concussion, starring actor Will Smithhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322364/.

CTE involves the buildup of an abnormal protein called tau, which can damage brain cells. It has been linked to difficulties with memory and thinking, as well as changes in personality and behaviour, including increased impulsivity and aggression. In advanced cases, CTE may lead to dementia. Symptoms may not appear until years after the injuries.

How Is CTE Diagnosed?

Like most dementias, CTE can only be confirmed after death by examining brain tissue. There is currently no test that can definitively diagnose CTE in a living person, although neuroimaging and neuropsychological testing can help rule out other conditions and contributors and identify the probability of a CTE presentation. 

Research suggests that repeated head impacts are an important risk factor, particularly among contact-sport athletes and military personnel. People who experience repeated head injuries in other circumstances, including intimate partner violence or motor vehicle collisions, may also be at risk. However, not everyone who experiences repeated head injuries will develop CTE.

Research into CTE is ongoing https://apple.news/AZxwDIrH6SwmSL846ntCHaQ, and much of the current evidence comes from studies of professional athletes. 

If you have concerns about the possible effects of past head injuries, book a consultation with me to determine whether a neuropsychological assessment can help.