User:Mr. Ibrahem/Chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Other names	Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome, dementia pugilistica, punch drunk syndrome
A normal brain (left) and one with CTE (right)
Specialty	Neurology, psychiatry, sports medicine
Symptoms	Behavioral problems, mood problems, problems with thinking
Complications	Dementia, aggression, depression, suicidal thoughts
Usual onset	Years after initial injuries
Causes	Repeated head injuries
Risk factors	Contact sports, military, domestic abuse, repeated banging of the head
Diagnostic method	Autopsy
Differential diagnosis	Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease
Treatment	Supportive care
Frequency	Uncertain

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries. Symptoms do not typically begin until years after the injuries and can include behavioral problems, mood problems, and problems with thinking. The disease often gets worse over time and can result in dementia. It is unclear if the risk of suicide is altered.

Most documented cases have occurred in athletes involved in contact sports such as boxing, American football, professional wrestling, ice hockey, rugby, and association football (soccer). Other risk factors include being in the military, prior domestic violence, and repeated banging of the head. The exact amount of trauma required for the condition to occur is unknown, and definitive diagnosis can only occur at autopsy. The disease is classified as a tauopathy.

There is no specific treatment for the disease. Rates of CTE have been found to be about 30% among those with a history of multiple head injuries, however population rates are unclear. Research in brain damage as a result of repeated head injuries began in the 1920s, at which time the condition was known as dementia pugilistica or "punch drunk syndrome". It has been proposed that the rules of some sports be changed as a means of prevention.