Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated trauma to the head. The encephalopathy symptoms can include behavioral problems, mood problems, and problems with … See more

Most documented cases have occurred in athletes with mild repetitive head impacts (RHI) over an extended period of time. Evidence indicates that repetitive concussive and subconcussive blows to the head cause CTE. In particular, it is associated with See more

Diagnosis of CTE cannot be made in living individuals; a clear diagnosis is only possible during an autopsy. Though there are signs and … See more

No cure exists for CTE, and because it cannot be tested for until an autopsy is performed, people cannot know if they have it. Treatment is supportive as with other forms of … See more

Symptoms of CTE, which occur in four stages, generally appear eight to ten years after an individual experiences repetitive mild traumatic brain … See more

The neuropathological appearance of CTE is distinguished from other tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease. The four clinical stages of … See more

The use of helmets and mouth guards has been put forward as a possible preventative measure; though neither has significant research to support its use, both have been shown to … See more