The thought of developing a brain disorder is enough to send anyone into panic mode. Your brain is responsible for controlling a variety of bodily functions. The slightest injury can have a devastating impact on your quality of life.
One type of brain injury is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The condition results in the degeneration of brain cells, and it only worsens over time.
Navigating the effects of CTE isn’t easy, especially since the condition is only definitively diagnosed during a brain autopsy. If you or a loved one is believed to be suffering from CTE, there are some facts you should know.
Causes of CTE
CTE is caused by significant or repeated blows to the head. One hard hit to the head can cause this degenerative brain condition. For example, an extremely hard tackle on the football field.
A catastrophic car accident can also result in the condition being diagnosed. Some military personnel have also been diagnosed with CTE after death. The cause of the condition is believed to be the extreme force felt after an explosion.
Diagnosing CTE
Currently, there aren’t any diagnostic tests for CTE. The brain condition is still being researched but biomarkers are currently in development. Currently, the only time chronic traumatic encephalopathy is definitively diagnosed is during a brain autopsy, and this means that the condition typically is only diagnosed after death.
This doesn’t mean the individual is suffering in silence from an unexplainable condition. Medical professionals can still suspect a CTE; they just can’t provide the patient with a definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, this only adds to the confusion and occasional stigma that can come with a brain injury.
Symptoms Associated with CTE
Just like it’s currently impossible to diagnose CTE, physicians are still working to clearly define the associated symptoms. The brain condition can affect cognitive function, cause changes in behavior, and even result in mood disorders.
Some common symptoms associated with CTE can include the following. However, remember these symptoms don’t necessarily mean chronic traumatic encephalopathy is the only possible diagnosis.
- Difficulty thinking and concentrating
- Loss of short and/or long-term memory
- Problems completing tasks
- Exhibiting aggressive behavior
- Impulsive behavior
- Depression or apathy
- Emotional instability
- Substance misuse
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Someone suffering from CTE may also experience difficulty with balance and even walking. The disease can eventually destroy the brain function responsible for speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Some CTE sufferers exhibit symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
When Symptoms Develop
Adding to the confusion is when symptoms loosely associated with CTE start developing. Most sufferers of the brain disorder don’t exhibit symptoms immediately following the traumatic hit to the head. In some cases, it can take years or decades for symptoms to begin appearing.
By this time, you may have forgotten about the accident that resulted in the head trauma, and this only makes the condition more difficult for medical professionals to accurately diagnose.
Some physicians believe CTE symptoms happen in two stages. The first set of symptoms typically affects behavior and mental health. Think of depression, aggression, impulsive behavior, and anxiety. The second set of symptoms typically takes longer to appear, in some cases, decades.
These symptoms include issues with memory and even an individual’s ability to think. Dementia is also common in individuals displaying the second set of symptoms.
When Is It Time to See a Physician
Since CTE is only definitively diagnosed after death, seeing a physician may not make a lot of sense. After all, if the condition can’t be diagnosed, so how can you create a treatment plan? While this is true, there are some things a medical professional can do to help make life a little easier with CTE.
So, when should you schedule a doctor’s appointment?
- If you're experiencing memory problems or other issues with behavior or cognitive thinking
- Anytime you start having suicidal thoughts. Depression is believed to be a common CTE symptomm and this can lead to thoughts of suicide. If you’re experiencing these thoughts, make an immediate appointment with your healthcare provider. You should also contact a suicide hotline. You can text 988 to talk to a mental health specialist.
- Changes in your personality or mood may also indicate a CTE injury.
Any time you experience a head injury, it’s a good idea to contact a healthcare provider. Even if you don’t need emergency care, you still want to go in for a check-up, and doing so will also leave a medical trail in your records. This way, if a few years from now CTE symptoms begin appearing, your physician is more likely to trace it back to your head injury.
Can You Receive Compensation for a CTE
This can be a tricky question to answer. Since a CTE is only officially diagnosed after death, claiming a CTE on a personal injury lawsuit is a little difficult. Proving a medical condition without only a suggestion of a diagnosis is tough if not impossible.
However, don’t give up hope. You can file a claim for compensation if you experience head trauma due to someone’s negligence. In other words, if you hit your head in an accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. This means you’re eligible to receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. These can include:
- Medical bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disabilities or impairments
- Lost wages and less ability to earn money
- A lower quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Care at home or in a nursing home
- Losing the ability to enjoy life
If the accident results in property damage, this should also be listed on your claim. Something else to consider is the statute of limitations. Since most CTE symptoms take years to appear, the statute of limitations on your personal injury case may have already run out. Most states only allow around two to five years to file for compensation.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney After Your Accident
If you experience a significant impact to your head during an accident, there's a concern for long-term health effects, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a condition often associated with repeated head traumas. Given the complexities of diagnosing and linking CTE to a specific incident, it's crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with such cases.
An attorney can guide you through the legal process, helping to establish the connection between the accident and any resultant condition. They play a vital role in ensuring that you receive comprehensive compensation, not only for immediate medical expenses and losses but also for any future damages related to the condition.