Available 24/7
Free Consultation
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a serious brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. It’s a progressive disease that can cause memory issues, mood swings, and trouble with clear thinking. It’s gained attention because it’s commonly connected to contact sports, but athletes are not the only ones at risk.
CTE happens when the head has taken repeated blows that cause damage to the brain over time. Even if an injury doesn’t cause an actual concussion, the cumulative effect of smaller impacts can still lead to long-term damage.
When the brain deals with repeated injury, an abnormal protein called tau starts to build up. Tau spreads and clumps together and interferes with the brain’s ability to function as it normally would. Unlike other brain injuries, CTE doesn’t heal over time, and these proteins don’t just go away.
Since CTE isn’t diagnosed while someone is alive, a lot of people suffer from it for years without ever knowing what’s happening to them. The damage continues to progress, even after the head trauma stops. That’s why people who develop symptoms may find that their condition gets worse as they get older.
CTE is most commonly associated with former athletes, particularly those who played high-impact sports like football, hockey, and boxing. However, sports aren’t the only cause.
CTE can also appear in:
Not everyone who deals with constant head trauma will develop CTE, but repeated exposure does increase the likelihood of developing it.
CTE develops slowly. Symptoms often start years or even decades after the initial injuries. Many early signs are mistaken for stress, mental health conditions, and just regular aging. The delay makes it hard to connect the symptoms to those past injuries.
The most common signs include:
As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and lead to dementia, speech issues, and a complete loss of independence.
Perhaps the biggest challenge with CTE is that it can’t be diagnosed while someone is alive. Right now, the only way to confirm it is to examine the person’s brain tissue after they’ve passed away. This means many people who struggle with the symptoms never get a definitive diagnosis.
Doctors have to rely on medical history, the patient’s reported symptoms, and imaging tests of the brain to assess a potential case of CTE. These tests can’t confirm the condition, but they can at least help rule out other brain disorders.
Right now, there’s no cure for CTE. However, treatments can make it easier to deal with the symptoms. Patients often benefit from therapy, medications for mood disorders, and lifestyle changes that help support brain health. Early intervention can slow down the progression and improve the person’s overall quality of life.
The effects of CTE stretch far beyond the person who was diagnosed with it. Their families often struggle to understand why their loved one’s personality has changed. The aggression, mood swings, and memory loss can easily put a strain on a relationship.
Caregivers often find themselves feeling overwhelmed by the situation, especially as the symptoms progress. It’s heartbreaking to watch someone lose their independence. Children of CTE patients can grow up in homes filled with unpredictable outbursts and emotions. Spouses might feel like they’re living with someone else entirely.
A strong support system is important, but resources can be limited. Family members often turn to therapy, support groups, and legal help to deal with the challenges of caring for someone with CTE.
Legal options may be available for those who develop CTE as a result of injuries suffered at work, from a domestic violence situation, and while participating in sports. Some former athletes have successfully sued sports organizations for failing to protect them from repeated head trauma. Military vets have also fought for recognition and benefits related to CTE.
Residents of Augusta who have suffered from head injuries due to negligence may also have legal grounds to collect compensation for their financial losses. If head trauma was caused by someone else’s poor behavior, the responsible party should be held accountable.
Workers’ compensation claims can also come into play for those exposed to repeated head injuries while they’re on the job. Companies are supposed to make sure their workplaces are safe for their employees, and when they don’t, legal action may be necessary to hold them liable and get the compensation they deserve.
CTE is a devastating condition that affects far more people than just professional athletes. Anyone who has suffered from repeated head trauma could be at risk of developing it later on in life. Since the symptoms take so long to appear and there’s no cure, early awareness is critical.
More research is needed to fully understand CTE and how to slow or even stop its progression. Advances in medical technology might allow doctors to diagnose the disease in living patients someday, and that might open the door to better treatment options. Until then, though, the best way to fight this condition is to protect people from unnecessary head trauma.
For those already dealing with the consequences of head injuries caused by negligence, it’s as important to understand their legal rights as it is to get the right medical care. A personal injury lawsuit can help provide the financial support needed for treatment and hold the liable parties responsible.
For more information, please contact our Augusta personal injury lawyers at Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Augusta, GA, and its surrounding areas:
Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys
4137 Columbia Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 722-8784