Brian White | July 27, 2022 | Brain Injury

The degenerative brain condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is commonly observed in people who have had several traumatic blows to the head. CTE, once known as “punch drunk syndrome,” is closely associated with individuals who have experienced recurrent concussions. 

Understanding CTE 

CTE was once believed to be exclusive to boxers. However, over time medical experts have come to the conclusion that it can manifest in anyone who has many head traumas over their career.

As a result, persons who engage in contact sports like rugby, boxing, soccer, and football are more likely to develop CTE. Some military personnel and war veterans who have been exposed to adjacent bombs or have sustained many head injuries also exhibit the disease. 

Other individuals have multiple unconnected head traumas or head injuries. However, these types of less frequent head traumas rarely cause CTE. Furthermore, not everyone who engages in contact sports or activities will get CTE, but awareness of the symptoms might help you identify the condition before it worsens.

What Are the Symptoms of CTE? 

Complex brain injuries can cause a variety of symptoms, and people who have them frequently suffer from a laundry list of ailments. 

Although there are many possible symptoms of CTE, the following are some of the most typical:

  • Short-term memory loss 
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulties with decision-making  
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Confusion
  • Aggression
  • Unsteady speech
  • Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

The list of CTE symptoms is long, so it is critical to seek medical attention if you have suffered repeated head traumas. 

Diagnosing CTE

The only way to diagnose CTE beyond doubt is by performing an autopsy of the brain. While there is no 100% certain approach to diagnosing CTE in living patients, researchers are getting closer. 

Even though it’s difficult, doctors currently diagnose patients with CTE using a combination of their symptoms and prior behaviors. Medical professionals can reasonably infer that CTE is present to some extent if you exhibit the symptoms and have a documented history of repeated head trauma.

Treating CTE

Doctors do not yet have a treatment for CTE. When CTE is suspected or diagnosed, doctors can only use focused treatment to help manage some of the symptoms. In an effort to provide improved therapies, researchers continue to learn more about CTE.

For instance, doctors advise people with depression, anxiety, or irritability to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to learn coping mechanisms and methods for managing their mood swings.

Patients who experience recurrent headaches may benefit from craniosacral treatment, massage, acupuncture, or painkillers. A doctor will advise the appropriate course of action based on the kind of headaches a patient gets.

Last but not least, if the patient struggles with memory loss, medical professionals and therapists frequently suggest memory training activities and coping mechanisms to assist them in going about their everyday lives.

Who Is Liable for CTE?

Despite the fact that CTE is a chronic disorder, it is occasionally possible to attribute legal responsibility for CTE to a particular person or group. State injury laws may differ, but a CTE lawsuit may be legally feasible if it involves negligence or a faulty product.

For example, in 2015, the National Football League faced liability in relation to thousands of football players who had suffered brain injuries. 

Suffering from CTE is a complicated and tumultuous battle. And while the disease is mostly unknown, the medical community continues to research the causes, symptoms, and treatments in order to protect and cure CTE sufferers. 

Contact the Houston Brain Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help

For more information, contact the Houston brain injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.

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