MooPig Brain Industries :: "Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, C.T.E."

C.T.E. Symptoms, Tests, Diagnosis, Treatments
Mashed articles by Pat Darnell  |  Feb 4, 2014  |  Bryan TX

[Picture LINK] "New research suggests that even small hits to the head may lead to brain deterioration over time. So what can be done?" By Luna Shyr. Photographs by Ann C. McKee, Boston University/Bedford Veterans Hospital

Symptoms Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Conditions 744866: "At the present time, the only way to clearly diagnose CTE is for a doctor to examine the brain after a person has died. This is how researchers are learning more about CTE."

Symptoms include:

• Depression, including feeling suicidal
• Paranoia
• Aggression
• Apathy
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Impulsiveness
• Poor concentration
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Poor judgment
• Tremor
• Muscle twitching

The symptoms may develop many years after the head injuries.
'via Blog this'

"...A new term was born: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) describes a gradual degeneration in brain function due to repeated head injuries that causes both concussions with symptoms and concussions that are asymptomatic (do not cause symptoms). Once the initial symptoms of concussion have faded, months and years later, new symptoms occur. CTE symptoms start slowly and creep up on the patient. Initially, there may be concentration and memory problems with episodes of disorientation and confusion, dizziness, and headache. It is as if the concussion symptoms were starting to return even without a new head injury. Emotions get labile and the patient can become aggressive and psychotic. As CTE progresses, behavior becomes even more erratic, with aggression and symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease. Finally, thought processes decrease even further, leading to a dementia with more Parkinson's symptoms including speech and walking abnormalities. The symptoms are progressive and cannot be stopped.(Medical Author: Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM. Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD. LINK)..."

TESTS
"...The debate over the scientific validity of such brain exams was highlighted recently when Tony Dorsett, a Hall of Fame running back for the Dallas Cowboys, and several other prominent former players said they were found to have C.T.E. after taking the experimental test developed by U.C.L.A. Dorsett, 59, told CNN that “they came to find out I have C.T.E.” and that his memory lapses, short temper and moodiness were “all because of C.T.E.” ( KEN BELSON. Published: December 25, 2013. LINK) ..."

"...The quality of the TauMark Scan is crucial because there are a number of rival groups currently developing technology to diagnose CTE in the living. These new assays involve analysis of cerebral blood flow, augmentation of brain architecture, and analysis of chemicals that are secreted by damaged neurons. There are literally billions of dollars at stake and you will see undoubtedly see more tests come to market in the coming years. When they do, you should ask the same question: Is this new test actually a good test for CTE?(MATT MCCARTHY on REGRESSING MED SPIN. 11/14/13. LINK)..."

DIAGNOSIS
"...Most researchers believe that C.T.E., or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the degenerative brain disease found in dozens of former N.F.L. players, can be diagnosed only posthumously by analyzing brain tissue. ..."

" ...The diagnosis of CTE is tough to make clinically. No bleeding and or other major abnormalities are visible on CT scan and CTE appears to act like other diseases that attack brain function. It can be confirmed by autopsy and dissection of the brain but that doesn't particularly help the patient. An abnormal protein called tau builds up in the brain and causes abnormal nerve fibers and cell tangles. These abnormalities look different than those in an Alzheimer's brain in which loss of brain tissue is routinely seen.(KEN BELSON. Published: December 25, 2013. LINK) ..."

TREATMENTS
"...There is only supportive treatment, and the consequences of the brain injury include early death. It would seem that prevention is the best and only option at the present time, but that may be difficult when society approves of the violence on the football field and in the boxing ring. Young athletes see themselves as invincible and indestructible. The pursuit of short-term athletic glory overshadows the specter of long-term disability, especially when the symptoms may be delayed by decades. People may have righteous indignation about the situation, but for now it stops on Saturday when they cheer for their alma mater's colors and on Sunday when they cheer for their favorite NFL team.(ibid. Ken Belson.)..."

CONCLUSION
Having taken part in two of the sports on the list, American Football and Rugby, I remember having my bell rung many times in practice and in games. It got to be a game in itself to see how fast I could recover in order to get back in the game. I played lineman, Guard, in the pit where head and shoulder strikes are the name of the game.

I plan to donate my brain to the institution that could slice it up and study it after I am gone. I think it will help many in their struggles with mid-life dementia.

________________________Reference
http://health.cvs.com/GetContent.aspx?token=f75979d3-9c7c-4b16-af56-3e122a3f19e3..&chunkiid=744866
http://health.cvs.com/GetContent.aspx?token=f75979d3-9c7c-4b16-af56-3e122a3f19e3..&chunkiid=744866
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/26/sports/football/new-tests-for-brain-trauma-create-hope-and-skepticism.html?_r=0
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=157953
http://regressing.deadspin.com/is-the-new-cte-test-for-football-players-a-good-one-1464445603
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/02/big-idea/concussions-text
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=101262
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=39134
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=122407
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=63314
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=97800
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20628
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=99838
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=442
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=81245
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2242643/Head-injury-study-33-NFL-football-players-brain-disease-deaths.html