Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy as a Consequence of Repetitive Sports Head Injury: A Review

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a disabling condition seen most frequently in athletes involved in high-impact sports. Physical and emotional abnormalities begin to display themselves later on in an athlete's life. Routine neuroradiographic imaging generally does not show any significant findings; however, newer MRI-based techniques, such as DTI, fMRI, and MRS, have shown promise for earlier detection. Three stages of the clinical presentation of CTE have been described. CTE likely results from progressive neuronal loss. Once the cascades are started, the symptoms of CTE become progressive. Sport-specific preventive strategies and early detection in our athletes is of vital importance in the management of CTE. Categories: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurology, Neurosurgery