Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries, such as concussions and other traumatic brain impacts. It primarily affects people exposed to repetitive brain trauma, including athletes in contact sports (like football, boxing, hockey, rugby), military veterans exposed to blasts, and others with histories of repeated head impacts
. CTE is characterized by the buildup of an abnormal form of the tau protein in the brain, which disrupts neuron function and leads to brain cell death. This damage accumulates over time and worsens progressively
. Symptoms of CTE typically appear years or even decades after the initial brain injuries and include:
- Memory loss and cognitive difficulties
- Problems with attention and concentration
- Mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, aggression, and suicidal thoughts
- Behavioral changes including impulsivity and erratic behavior
- Motor problems like poor coordination and balance
Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed postmortem through brain autopsy
. There is no specific treatment, and care is supportive to manage symptoms
. The exact risk factors and why some individuals develop CTE while others do not remain unclear, with ongoing research into genetic and environmental influences alongside trauma exposure
. In summary, CTE is a serious, progressive brain disease caused by repeated head trauma, leading to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments that worsen over time and currently lack a cure
