How is CTE diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Matthew Boente MD, a retired medical professional with more than 20 years of service in various hospitals, lists CTE as one of his areas of interest. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative condition that affects athletes and active military personnel who experienced repetitive head injuries and concussions. Repetitive brain trauma affects brain tissue and causes the accumulation of an abnormal protein called Tau.

At present, there's no way to diagnose CTE among the living. It can only be proven after death by a postmortem neuropathological analysis. Current methods to scan the brain, such as MRI, CT, and other brain imaging methods cannot yet detect the illness. However, the CTE Center at Boston University is conducting studies that aim to find a technique that will diagnose the disease during life.

While there are no specific treatments for patients with CTE, treatments that address the symptom of degenerative disease can benefit patients. In his studies, Dr. Matthew Boente MD learned that identifying symptoms such as headaches, cognitive problems, and mental health illnesses can provide patients suspected of CTE with treatments that can relieve their pain as well as slow down the effects of the disease. Memory-boosting strategies, psychiatric help, and medication can help people who believe they have CTE keep up with their daily routine.

Dr. Matthew Boente MD is an obstetrician, gynecologist, and gynecologic oncologist who lists studies in chronic traumatic encephalopathy among his interests. For related reads, visit this page.