What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) refers to a progressive degenerative disease affecting people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries, which may occur in some athletes or otherwise by persons subjected to concussions and repetitive head impacts. One theory that explains the causes of CTE is that injuries to the brain repeatedly cause the buildup of abnormal forms of a protein called tau, which could interfere with how the neurons work in the brain. Not every person who suffered a brain injury or who sustained repetitive head impacts develops CTE. It is currently unknown how many or which people will have this medical condition as a result of repetitive injuries.

Who does chronic traumatic encephalopathy affect?

Anyone who has experienced recurrent head trauma can develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy. But CTE also doesn't show up right away. It can take years or decades for the majority of those who have this illness to experience symptoms severe enough to draw attention. People who develop CTE have a history of many head impacts over several years, especially those who play sports professionally. The majority of high school athletes do not experience CTE. In actuality, those with proven CTE are often between 42 and 43 years old.

People who have the greatest risks include:

• People who engage in combat-oriented sports and activities. This is most true for boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) and other traditional martial arts (tae kwon do, aikido, judo, etc.)
• People who engage in contact sports, particularly football, ice hockey and rugby.
• People who ride bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and other sports on concrete or roadways.
• Military members who are subjected to concussions and explosions.

What are the sign and symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy?

CTE symptoms tend to develop slowly and worsen over time.

Some common symptoms of CTE are:

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing, which is called mild cognitive impairment.
• Headaches
• Short-term memory problems.
• Changes in behavior, such as sudden outbursts or explosions of anger.

Other symptoms include:

• Depression
• Executive dysfunction
• Difficulty with speech
• Shaking and other types of uncontrolled movements, such as in parkinsonism
• Loss of balance and problems walking
• Poor coordination, including ataxia
• Increased aggressive behavior
• Harmful ideas and behaviors that may include attempting suicide.

What is the cause of chronic traumatic encephalopathy?

CTE results from a combination of factors. Those factors include:

• A history of repeated head injuries: A history of repetitive head trauma is the most widely recognised risk factor for CTE. A person need not be "knocked out" or lose consciousness as a result of these impacts. Rather, over time, the effects of repetitive head traumas build up. One may acquire CTE as a result.
• Accumulation of rogue proteins in your brain: Your body uses proteins, complex chemical molecules, for a myriad of purposes. One of these proteins, called tau (named after the Greek letter), is essential to your brain. The tau protein plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of CTE as well. A critical aspect of protein function is their shape. Only a protein with the correct shape can fit into your cells, much like a lock that requires an identically shaped key; if a protein is changed, it acts abnormally and can be transferred to spread throughout more areas of the brain. It's diagnosed by identifying the altered tau protein in the brain in a particular formation.

How is chronic traumatic encephalopathy diagnosed?

There is no confirmed method of diagnosing CTE in a living person. Samples of a person's brain can only be viewed under a microscope, and that can only be done at autopsy.

While experts cannot confirm CTE before death, they can make a presumptive diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical and neurological exam. Along with recommending specific lab and imaging testing, they will also go over your history of head injuries. CTE cannot be diagnosed by the most widely used diagnostics. They rule out other conditions instead.

• Computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
• Tests of cerebrospinal fluid, obtained through a spinal tap (lumbar puncture).

How is chronic traumatic encephalopathy treated?

Treatment of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and possibility of cure

There is no cure for CTE. Some of the symptoms can be treated, but this depends on your symptoms, medical history and more. Furthermore, there are several habits that you can integrate into your lifestyle that help general brain health. Your healthcare provider is the best person to explain the treatments they recommend and why.

Can I minimize my chances of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy?

The best strategy to lower your chance of developing CTE is to limit the number of head injuries you have. While head injuries may cause noticeable symptoms, there are simple ways to reduce the risk of suffering a concussion:

• Play safely: Wear appropriate safety gear when playing football or ice hockey. Safety gear, including helmets, may reduce the likelihood of having a concussion. Playing responsibly and avoiding situations where you could cause or put yourself in danger of a dangerous collision are equally crucial.
• Don't play while hurt: It's simple to dismiss it and claim you're okay because you can get smacked and not lose consciousness. Concussions can occur without unconsciousness, though, and it can be risky to take another blow after suffering one.
• Wear a helmet when you're on your wheels: Athletes who like cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding and other sports should always wear helmets. They can make a huge difference between getting a concussion and not getting one.
• Wear your seat belt: Non-athletes usually experience concussions from motor vehicle accidents. Wearing a seatbelt will cut down the chances of having a concussion or even limit the severity if you still do have one.

What can I expect if I have chronic traumatic encephalopathy?

CTE is a degenerative brain disease. This indicates that the condition is progressive and that the symptoms will worsen over time. Years or even decades may pass. Experts are now unable to estimate how long it could take for brain functions to deteriorate.

How long does chronic traumatic encephalopathy last?

CTE is permanent; it lasts forever.

How can I care for my own well-being?

In the early stages of this condition, you can take care of yourself with the help of a health care provider. They can advise you on how to treat and manage your symptoms and what you can do with your lifestyle to adapt. As this condition worsens, it may become increasingly difficult to take care of yourself. Unfortunately, that implies that as symptoms worsen, you might not be able to live independently.

When should I see my medical provider?

If you suspect any symptoms of problems with your thinking, remembering, or concentrating, or if there are changes in mood or behavior, you should see a medical provider.

When should I go to the ER?

If you have thoughts of harming yourself, including suicidal thoughts, or of harming others, you should get immediate help. If you know someone in danger of causing himself or herself serious harm, you should also get them help immediately. 

You can contact any of the following in case of an emergency:

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Those who are experiencing suicide thoughts or urges may find this line helpful.

• Local crisis lines: If you're having suicidal thoughts, thoughts of killing yourself, or thoughts of harming others, local mental health organisations and centres may provide resources and assistance through crisis lines.
• Local emergency services number: You should call the local emergency services number if you believe that you or someone you know is in imminent risk of harming themselves or taking their own life.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country, with the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To Book an appointment for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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