Do you often hit your head? Let's talk about CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy)

Are you a rugby player, boxer, or someone who hits their head frequently? Sometimes we think, "It's just a minor concussion," and we don't pay much attention to it. But did you know that repeated head injuries can lead to serious brain damage years later? Today we're talking about CTE, a serious but under-reported condition. It's important for you and your children to be aware of this.

Simply put, what is CTE?

CTE stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Simply put, it is a long-term brain condition caused by repeated head injuries. These injuries can include concussions caused by hard blows to the head, as well as minor concussions that may seem less serious.

This disease was first discovered in the 1920s among boxers. At the time, it was called something else. As they got older, some boxers began to slur their speech and behave differently. It was also called "punch drunk." But it was later discovered that this condition was not limited to boxers, but also players in contact sports such as rugby and hockey.

The important thing is that these symptoms do not appear immediately after a head injury. They appear years, even decades later. Therefore, we need to be careful about head injuries.

How does this disease develop?

To understand this, let's go inside our brain for a moment. Imagine that there is a special type of protein in our brain that helps keep the neurons stable and organized. It is called the 'tau' protein . Under normal conditions, this tau protein is essential for the healthy functioning of our brain.

But when the head is repeatedly hit, the nature of these tau proteins changes due to the trauma that occurs inside the brain. They start to stick together, clump together, and tangle together. These clumped tau proteins accumulate inside nerve cells and gradually destroy those cells. Just like dirt clumps in a pipe and stops water from flowing, these tau protein clumps disrupt the communication between nerve cells. Over time, this damage spreads throughout the brain. That's what CTE is.

Not everyone who has a head injury develops the condition, so some researchers believe that other factors, such as genetics , may be involved. However, the only proven cause is repeated head trauma.

What are the symptoms of CTE?

Because the symptoms of CTE usually appear years later, they can be easily confused with symptoms of other diseases. Some symptoms can resemble Alzheimer's disease, while others resemble Parkinson's disease.

There are two main types of symptoms that can appear at different times in life.

1. During adolescence (late 20s or early 30s): This is when most mental health and behavioral problems emerge.

2. In adulthood (around age 60): Problems with memory and thinking ability arise during this time.

The table below shows some common symptoms associated with CTE.

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, especially with a history of head injury, it is very important to see a doctor and talk about it.

How do you know if you have this disease?

Unfortunately, with current technology, there is no way to 100% confirm CTE while someone is alive. The only way to definitively diagnose the disease is through a post-mortem examination of brain tissue (an autopsy).

However, a doctor may suspect "this could be CTE" based on symptoms, a patient's history of head injuries , and other tests. To do so, tests like these are used to rule out other brain conditions.

• CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT scan)
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI scan)
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography - PET scan)
• Spinal tap / Lumbar puncture

Researchers are currently developing methods to detect CTE while still alive, which could lead to earlier detection and treatment of the disease in the future.

Who is most at risk?

• People who play contact sports: Those who play sports like rugby, football, hockey, and boxing are at higher risk.
• Those in military service: Due to the possibility of head injuries during training or on the battlefield.
• Young athletes and school children: This is very important. Sometimes children who play at the school level may be at greater risk than professional athletes.

Treatment and management of CTE

There is no cure for CTE, and the disease can get worse over time. However, there are many treatments and methods that can help control symptoms and make life easier.

Medical treatment:

• Physical therapy: For walking or mobility difficulties.
• Occupational therapy: Help with daily tasks on your own.
• Speech and language therapy: For memory and speech difficulties.

Lifestyle changes:

• Keep notes: If you have memory problems, using a calendar or notebook can help.
• Establish a routine: Having a set routine for the day gives you a sense of stability.
• Be aware of impulsive behaviors: Be aware of things like gambling, unnecessary spending, and alcohol, as they can lead to addiction.
• Practice calming techniques: Things like deep breathing and meditation can help you control your emotions.
• Sleep well: Getting enough sleep is very important for managing symptoms.
• Exercise: Physical activity can reduce stress.

What should we do to protect ourselves from this disease?

The best way to protect against CTE is to minimize head injuries, especially for children and young adults who play sports.

• Wear the right safety equipment: Wear equipment like helmets exactly and in the right size.
• Learn the correct technique: Practice the correct postures and techniques related to the sport.
• Avoid unnecessary aggression: respect the rules of the game.
• Do not play with an injury: If you have a head injury, do not play again until you are fully recovered. Be sure to consult your doctor about this.
• Coaches' Responsibility: It is the responsibility of coaches to limit conflicting practices.
• Wear seat belts: Always wear seat belts to prevent head injuries in vehicle accidents.

CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Brain Disease, Head Injuries, Sports Injuries, Tau Protein, Memory Loss