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The National Library of Medicine estimates that 17% of people with mild traumatic brain injury eventually develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a brain disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to die. It is a rare condition that scientists don’t yet understand fully. Brain tissue analysis after death is currently the only way to diagnose CTE. The process of diagnosis is painstaking and can take several months to complete. The test is not typically included in a normal autopsy.
One thing experts agree on is that CTE is not caused by a single head injury like the type that might happen in a car accident. The condition is related to repeated head injuries or “the second impact syndrome.” Second impact syndrome may occur when a second head injury occurs before a previous one has had time to health properly. People at risk for repeated head injuries and second impacts include:
When referring to CTE, repeated brain injury means more than a few concussions. Most people who have been diagnosed with CTE suffer hundreds of head impacts over many years. However, not everyone who has experienced multiple concussions will develop CTE. Other risk factors, such as genetics, the age of first exposure, and the number of years of exposure, must also be considered.
No symptoms are specifically linked to CTE. Symptoms that may indicate a problem are more generic to a mild traumatic brain injury. They may include:
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and Motor neuron disease may also indicate the presence of CTE.
If CTE is suspected, there are several promising treatments to address the symptoms. Your medical team may suggest the following:
Certain lifestyle changes may be helpful as well. Creating a predictable daily routine that includes regular exercise, plenty of rest, and eating a balanced diet may help. It is also important to build a support system of people you can talk to when things get difficult.
If you suspect that you or someone you care about is exhibiting symptoms of CTE or any other type of brain injury, don’t hesitate to speak with a doctor. Brain injury can increase the risk of suicide. Call 911 or the suicide hotline if you’re having thoughts about hurting yourself. Note whether you experience any type of memory problems or unexplained personality and mood changes, too. These are additional indications that you may need medical care.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a brain disorder believed to be caused by repetitive head trauma. Multiple injuries can cause the death of brain cells, which leads to worsening symptoms over time. The only way to diagnose CTE is through a post-mortem autopsy. Because CTE can’t be diagnosed in a living person, there is no specific treatment for the condition. Treatments for other types of brain injuries and degenerative diseases may be helpful. If you or someone you know is living with symptoms of CTE or any type of brain injury, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Treatments may decrease the severity of symptoms or delay their onset.
Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has spent the past 30+ years representing the surviving loved ones of wrongful death victims, including several carbon monoxide poisoning cases. Our team of experienced attorneys are above the rest when it comes to properly building catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases and generating exceptional results for our clients.
If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
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