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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
In Vivo Protocol of Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts for the Validation of Field Study Data
Published on: April 18, 2019
Repetitive Head Impacts and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
Ann C McKee1, Michael L Alosco2, Bertrand R Huber3
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA; CTE Program, Alzheimer's Disease Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive head impacts. Diagnosis requires postmortem brain examination, revealing unique lesions distinct from other neurodegenerative disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease linked to repetitive head trauma.
- Symptoms include behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and mood disorders, significantly impacting quality of life.
- CTE diagnosis is currently confirmed only through postmortem neuropathological analysis of brain tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the distinct neuropathological features of CTE.
- To differentiate CTE from other neurodegenerative diseases.
- To highlight the public health implications of CTE.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem neuropathological examination of brain tissue.
- Histopathological analysis to identify pathognomonic lesions.
- Comparative analysis with other neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Results:
- CTE is characterized by a unique, pathognomonic neuropathological lesion.
- This lesion allows for reliable differentiation of CTE from other neurodegenerative conditions.
- The disease is associated with a spectrum of neurological and behavioral symptoms.
Conclusions:
- CTE is a distinct neurodegenerative disease definitively diagnosed postmortem.
- Its unique pathology distinguishes it from other neurological disorders.
- CTE represents a significant and growing public health concern, particularly among athletes and veterans.
