CHRONIC TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY:  LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF REPETITIVE BRAIN TRAUMA

Robert A. Stern, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

Ann C. McKee, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology and Pathology, Departments of Neurology and Pathology and the
Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

Robert C. Cantu, MD
Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery and the
Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

Concussions and subconcussive brain trauma are common in contact sports and in the military.  Recent studies have indicated that this repetitive brain trauma can, in some individuals, lead to the progressive neurodegenerative disease,  Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), as well as the motor neuron disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalomyelopathy (CTEM).  CTE was originally thought to be rare and occur only after years of concussions received through professional sports involvement, including boxing and American football.  However, recent evidence suggests that the disease may begin quite early in life, be associated with a variety of sports involvement as well as combat military experience, and develop as a result of subconcussive brain trauma.  This course will provide and in-depth overview of the neuropathology, clinical presentation, course, and risk factors for CTE.  As a result of participation in this course, the learner will achieve the following objectives: (1) have a deeper understanding of the neuropathology of CTE and CTEM, (2) be familiar with the clinical presentation of CTE, and (3) have an increased awareness of the current research findings related to repetitive brain trauma in sports and the military.