What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with traumatic and repeated TBI’s or Traumatic Brain Injuries. These TBI’s include concussions or repeated blows to the head. There is no current cure for CTE, and the diagnosis can only be determined after death. 

What we know

There is no cure for CTE, and diagnosis is only confirmed after death. Doctors with a specialty in brain diseases slice brain tissue and use special chemicals to make the abnormal tau protein visible. They then systematically search areas of the brain for tau in the unique pattern specific to CTE. However, some doctors can diagnose based on the individual’s history of participating in a physical contact sport and symptoms but doctors can be sure until after death. 

Who’s at risk?

CTE is most prominent in athletes who play contact sports especially boxers, football, and rugby players. This is primarily caused by the lack of proper head protection, which has become a leading cause of brain problems in athletes. 

Symptoms

When it comes to the symptoms, not all doctors agree, but these are associated with CTE:

• Memory and thinking problems
• Confusion
• Personality changes
• Erratic behavior includes aggression, depression, and even suicidal thinking.

Symptoms can also include problems paying attention, organizing thoughts, difficulty with balance and motor skills. However, these symptoms may not be experienced by the individual at or until years or decades later. 

Neurofeedback and CTE

Neurofeedback, or brain training, can be a fantastic treatment for individuals suffering from a brain injury. Several athletes have come forward with their personal experiences using brain training for concussion symptoms, including former 49ers quarterback and Super Bowl champion Guy Benjamin and former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. You can read more about their experiences here. 

At Mountain Vista Psychology, our therapists are ready to help you and your child through the struggles of learning at home. We offer Neurofeedback treatment for those who are interested in benefits. Please email us at info@mountainvistapsychology.com or call us at 720-583-9332.