Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
A neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated trauma to the head. The encephalopathy symptoms can include behavioral problems, mood problems, and problems with thinking. The disease often gets worse over time and can result in dementia.
What is the difference between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and CTE?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to any injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head. TBI can be a one time event.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), on the other hand, is a progressive degenerative brain disease linked to repeated TBIs, including concussions and sub-concussive impacts.
Whats the difference between Alzheimer’s and CTE?
Signs and Symptoms of CTE
Symptoms can present differently depending on a person’s age and the speed at which CTE develops in the brain.
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Short-term memory loss
- Erratic behavior
Later symptoms can be the following:
- Aggression
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Dementia
- Movement disorders
- Speech difficulties
Patient Perspective: Living With a Brain Injury
Interactive Learning Guide: CTE Explained
Initial symptoms often involve problems with judgment, reasoning, impulse control, and aggression, followed by memory loss and dementia later in the disease.
Click on our interactive guide below to learn more about CTE
Genetics – Risky “Concussion” Genes
Certain genes have been associated with the associated risk of the longer term impact of a concussion. Some people can get a bad concussion and fully recover but scientists have discovered certain genetic variants that may make a person more susceptible to neurological impairment.
This gene plays a vital role in neuron communication within the brain.Patients with these mutations can be highly sensitive to head impacts. Some specific mutations can see very minor head trauma lead to concussion, seizures, cerebral oedema (swelling), coma and sometimes death.
Research has also shown 35 percent of patients with mutations in a second hemiplegic migraine ion channel gene, ATP1A2 – which is linked to hemiplegic migraine, ataxia, epilepsy and other seizures and controls brain sodium and potassium levels, report concussion symptoms following mild head trauma.
ApoE4, also known as the “Alzheimer’s gene” for its association with Alzheimer’s risk — is linked with poorer and more long-term concussion outcomes. Those who carry this variant are also more likely to have significant signs of brain degeneration after concussion.
Who is at a Higher Risk of CTE
Research has shown that the risk of dementia is particularly high for people with a history of multiple TBIs. Athletes in contact sports, such as football or hockey, are at greater risk of developing CTE and other long-term neurological issues, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Veterans already have an outsized risk of developing dementia as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research has also found that risk may be even greater if they’ve been exposed to explosive blasts.
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FAQs about CTE
Traumatic brain injury, especially repeated concussions, can lead to CTE, a type of dementia. Athletes who play contact sports like football and boxing are at a higher risk, as well as veterans who have suffered from post traumatic stress disorder or have been exposed to explosive blasts.
Currently, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) can only be definitively diagnosed after death through a brain autopsy. However, if you are concerned you might have CTE, especially if you have a history of repeated head injuries or concussions, it’s important to recognize common symptoms and seek medical evaluation. Early signs of CTE may include memory loss, confusion, difficulty thinking (cognitive impairment), mood changes like depression or anxiety, impulsive behavior, and problems with balance or motor skills.
CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) cannot currently be diagnosed with certainty while a person is alive. A definitive diagnosis is only possible after death through a brain autopsy. However, doctors can evaluate symptoms, medical history, and imaging results to suggest a possible CTE diagnosis during life.
Early signs of CTE may include memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, depression, impulsive behavior, and emotional instability. Symptoms often appear years or even decades after repeated head trauma. Early detection is important for managing symptoms and protecting long-term brain health.
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