what is cte

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disorder that is likely caused by repeated head injuries. It is a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and repeated blows to the head. CTE is not related to a single head injury but rather to repeated head injuries, often occurring in contact sports or military combat. The development of CTE has been associated with second impact syndrome, in which a second head injury happens before previous head injury symptoms have fully resolved. CTE is a rare disorder that is not yet well understood. Symptoms of CTE are thought to include trouble with thinking and emotions, physical problems, and other behaviors. Its thought that these develop years to decades after head trauma occurs. A diagnosis of CTE can only be made after death, when an autopsy can reveal whether the known brain changes of CTE are present.