Q: Which doctor is to be consulted for managing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?
A: The first step is to speak to your primary care physician. Then based on the findings, your physician might refer you to a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Q: CTE is noted in individuals participating in contact sports. Is it a rare disease?
A: Yes. CTE is a rare disease. It occurs because of repeated concussions to the brain with no preventive measures being taken at the right moment. Though, not all individuals with concussions develop CTE.
Q: Can CTE diagnosed before death?
A: There are no reliable procedures to diagnose CTE. Diagnosis of CTE requires evidence of deposits of tau proteins in the brain and degeneration of brain tissue that can be observed only upon autopsy. A set of neurological tests is however being explored for the diagnosis of CTE.
Q: When should I see a doctor after an injury?
A: CTE develops over many years after repeated brain injuries. It is advised to visit the doctor if the following symptoms occur.
- Suicidal thoughts
- Head injury
- Memory problems
- Personality or mood changes
