# What Is CTE? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Understanding CTE  2. What Are the Symptoms of CTE?  3. Diagnosing CTE 4. Treating CTE 5. Who Is Liable for CTE? 6. Contact the Houston Brain Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![What Is CTE?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/what-is-cte-300x200.jpg) 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](https://www.bu.edu/cte/about/frequently-asked-questions/),” 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. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## What Are the Symptoms of CTE?  Complex [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/) 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. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## 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. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## 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](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-oks-1-billion-deal-over-nfl-concussions-lawsuit/) 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 Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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It receives information about what is happening [![Houston Trauma Centers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-trauma-centers/) [Houston Trauma Centers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-trauma-centers/) A trauma center is a medical facility equipped and staffed to provide specialized care for patients who have [![Signs Your Neck Pain Could Be A Traumatic Brain Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/signs-your-neck-pain-could-be-a-traumatic-brain-injury-300x169.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/signs-your-neck-pain-could-be-a-traumatic-brain-injury/) [Signs Your Neck Pain Could Be a Traumatic Brain Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/signs-your-neck-pain-could-be-a-traumatic-brain-injury/) It’s common for people to experience neck pain after car crashes and other accidents. Most of the time, people [![4 Types of Brain Injuries and 3 Levels of Severity](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/4-types-of-brain-injuries-and-3-levels-of-severity/) [4 Types of Brain Injuries and 3 Levels of Severity](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/4-types-of-brain-injuries-and-3-levels-of-severity/) Doctors categorize brain injuries in many ways. The type of damage, the cause of the injury, and the severity of the --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-cte/