Chronic traumatic encephalopathy

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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and repeated blows to the head. It is also associated with the development of dementia. Pronounced as Chronic (Kron-ik) Traumatic (truh-MAT-ik) Encephalopathy (en-sef-uh-LOP-uh-thee).

Etymology

The term "Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy" originates from the Greek words "chronos" meaning time, "trauma" meaning injury, and "encephalos" meaning brain, combined with the suffix "-pathy" meaning disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CTE may include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and erratic behavior, including aggression, depression, and eventually progressive dementia.

Causes

CTE is caused by repeated head trauma. This can include repeated concussions and even repeated blows to the head that do not result in concussion symptoms. It is often seen in athletes who participate in contact sports like football and boxing, and military veterans, due to their increased likelihood of enduring repeated blows to the head.

Diagnosis

Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, during an autopsy. Researchers are actively working on ways to diagnose the disease in living patients.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for CTE, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatment typically involves managing symptoms and supportive care, as well as counseling and family education.

Related Terms

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