Chapter 5 Flashcards
1.5.1 CTE (chronic traumatic encephalapothy)
What is cte?
a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated head injuries and concussions
It is neurodegenerative
1.5.1 CTE (chronic traumatic encephalapothy)
What is cte typically associated with? (explain)
CTE is typically associated with repeated concussions, which are mild traumatic brain injuries that temporarily disrupt brain function, that arise from contact sports, combat, head banging, and intimate partner violence.
However, research suggests that CTE can also arise from a single severe traumatic brain injury from an incident, such as a motor vehicle accident
What is a neurosgenerative disease?
a disease characterised by the progressive loss of
neurons in the brain
Why is cte a neuodegenerative disease?
CTE is a neurodegenerative disease
because damage to neurons occurs over time and brain functioning progressively worsens as a result. As the disease worsens, CTE can become fatal as the brain reaches a point of degeneration in which it is difficult to function and sustain life
what are some symptoms of cte?
- impairments in executive functions, such as reasoning and decision-making
- memory loss
- depression
- difficulties with attention and concentration
- disturbances in behaviour
- anxiety and paranoia
- mood impairments, such as increased aggression and emotional outbursts
How many stages of cte are there?
list the symptoms of each:
There are 4 stages:
* Stage I (very mild) symptoms: Headaches/Loss of attention and concentration
* Stage II (mild) symptoms: Depression/Mood swings/Short-term memory loss/Irritation, impulsivity, and emotional outbursts
* Stage III (moderate) symptoms: Executive dysfunction, such as impairments in decision-making,
problem-solving, and forming judgements/Memory loss/Difficulties with attention and concentration/ Depression and mood impairments/Visuospatial difficulties
* Stage IV (severe) symptoms: Dementia/Profound loss of attention and concentration/Language difficulties/Aggression/Paranoia/ Difficulties with walking (gait difficulties)/Visuospatial problems, including difficulties interpreting spatial relationships and navigating movements/Suicidal thoughts
How is CTE diagnosed?
diagnosis of CTE can only be made through a post-mortem examination (as brain scans do not have the capacity to detect the brain changes
that characterise this disease)
What is a post-mortem examination?
an assessment of a
dead body that occurs
to determine the cause
of death
How do concussions cause CTE?
CTE is associated with thewidespread build up of a particular protein substance (p-tau) in brain regions. This accumulation of the protein tau forms neurofibrillary tangles, which are insoluble tangles within neurons, which then inhibit the transportation of essential substances and eventually kill the neuron entirely.
What is a neurofibrillary tangle?
an accumulation of the protein tau that forms insoluble tangles within
neurons, which then inhibit the transportation of essential substances and eventually kill the
neuron entirely
Is there any treatment for CTE currently?
Currently, there is no cure for CTE.
However some studies suggest that education and behavioural therapies have been effective in preventing and treating persistent post-concussion symptoms.
