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

Abstract

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.

Canadian High School Coaches’ Experiences, Insights, and Perceived Roles With Sport-Related Concussions

“…& Viswanath, 2014; Torres et al, 2013), which is dangerous because of the negative health implications associated with repeated concussions such as second impact syndrome (Dessy, Rasouli, & Choudri, 2014), protracted symptoms (e.g., Caron, Bloom, Johnston, & Sabiston, 2013), and potential link to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (Galgano, Cantu, & Chin, 2014). Due to the high rates of concussions among youth athletes, the propensity to underreport the injury, and the potential for adverse longterm sequelae, researchers and stakeholders in sport must continue to explore ways to improve athletes' safety.…”