Chronic traumatic encephalopathy – KhTE
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – (CTE)
What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (KhTE) – the deterioration of the brain, caused by the accumulation of tau protein (Your). Damage to the brain during HTE can lead to serious mental and physical disabilities. The disease worsens over time.
Causes of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Researchers have found a link between repeated head injuries and HTE. Causes of traumatic brain injury may include:
- The blow to the head or push;
- A sharp jerk or shake of the head.
Over time, these injuries can lead to abnormal tau protein forming groups. These proteins can create intricate clots in the brain and block its normal operation. Similar accumulation of proteins observed in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Risk factors for chronic traumatic encephalopathy
The presence of head injury increases the risk of HTE. Risk Groups, with an increased tendency to HTE:
- Athletes, engaged in contact sports, especially professional boxers, players, players, fighters;
- Military combat service;
- Person, subjected to violence;
- Person, subject to strong convulsions;
- Persons with mental disabilities, prone to fits and tantrums (head banging against hard objects).
Symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Symptoms include:
- Depression, suicidal;
- Paranoia;
- Aggression;
- Apathy;
- Irritability;
- Excitation;
- Impulsiveness;
- Poor concentration;
- Problems with memory;
- Confusion;
- Tremor;
- Clonus.
Symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy can occur many years after craniocerebral trauma.
Diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Doctor:
- Ask about symptoms – important, so you and your family members have reported strange behavior, that you had;
- Studying the history of the disease – the doctor will pay particular attention to the presence of head injury;
- Perform medical examination.
To get more information on the state of the brain and to rule out other diseases, They can be assigned to various tests:
- CT scan;
- MRT;
- PET;
- Blood tests;
- Neuropsychological tests.
Currently, the only way to accurately diagnose HTE – to examine the state of brain tissue after death.
Treatment of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Treatments HTE currently being developed. Nonetheless, depending on the symptoms physician may recommend:
- Taking certain medications (eg, antidepressants, neuroleptics, mood stabilizers);
- Lifestyle Changes – physical exercise, the consumption of healthy food and avoiding alcohol and drugs;
- Work with a therapist and joining a support group, to help with emotional problems.
You may be referred to a doctor, who specializes in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.
Prevention of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
To reduce the risk of HTE in sports:
- You need to follow your doctor's instructions after suffering concussion. You have to wait to return to training, It is not to restore the functionality of the brain;
- It is necessary to avoid dangerous behavior in the game;
- Wearing proper protective equipment (eg, Slam) protection from injury.
Other steps, you can take, to reduce the chance of head injury:
- It is necessary to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle, skiing, snowboarding lesson and other traumatic activity;
- You must wear seat belts in the car;
- Do not drink alcohol while driving or sitting in a vehicle with the, who are under its influence;
- Make your home safe (eg, Remove items, on which you can stumble, Install night lights);
- After a head injury, seek immediate medical attention.
