title: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: The Impact on Athletes.
abstract: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a devastating neuropsychological condition afflicting a small percentage of athletes partaking in high-impact sports. The onset of symptoms lags years behind the inciting events. Repetitive minor head injuries are felt to be the main etiology behind CTE. Routine radiographic imaging generally is unremarkable in cases of CTE. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are advanced MRI-based sequences that have shown promise in detecting early radiographic findings that may be reflective of CTE. Progressive neuronal loss is the histopathological hallmark of this neurodegenerative disease. Strategizing earlier detection techniques is paramount in delivering optimal care to athletes afflicted with CTE.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Galgano
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cantu
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University.
authors.forename: Lawrence S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Chin
keywords: athletics; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; high impact sports; mild traumatic brain injury; repetitive traumatic brain injury; sports