Ty Robinson | January 21, 2026 | Personal Injury

What Is CTE?

After a serious accident or head injury, it’s normal to worry about what this could mean for your brain long term. One condition you may hear about—especially in sports-related headlines—is CTE, short for chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Below is an overview of what CTE is, what researchers think causes it, and why head injuries should always be taken seriously.

What Does CTE Stand for?

CTE stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It’s a progressive brain disease that researchers have linked to repeated blows to the head.

Most studies have focused on contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey. But repeated head trauma can also happen outside sports, including in car crashes, falls, and assaults.

How Does CTE Develop?

CTE is generally associated with repeated head impacts over time. These impacts may or may not cause a diagnosed concussion.

Researchers believe repeated trauma can damage brain tissue and contribute to a buildup of an abnormal protein called tau. Over time, that buildup may interfere with normal brain function.

One of the most frustrating parts is that symptoms often don’t show up right away. In some people, problems may not appear until years or even decades later.

What Are the Symptoms of CTE?

CTE symptoms can look different from one person to the next, and they often get worse over time. 

Some commonly discussed symptoms include:

  • Thinking and memory issues, like forgetfulness, confusion, trouble focusing, or difficulty making decisions
  • Behavior changes, such as impulsive actions, irritability, aggression, or poor judgment
  • Mood symptoms, including depression, anxiety, mood swings, or feeling “numb” emotionally
  • Movement problems, like balance issues or tremors, typically in the later stages

It’s also worth noting that many of these symptoms can overlap with other conditions. So seeing one of these signs does not automatically mean someone has CTE.

Can Doctors Diagnose CTE in Someone Who Is Alive?

Right now, CTE cannot be definitively diagnosed in living patients. A confirmed diagnosis requires examining brain tissue after death.

That said, a doctor may suspect a CTE-related condition based on someone’s history of repeated head injuries and their symptoms. Medical providers may use neurological exams, cognitive testing, and imaging to rule out other causes and understand what’s going on.

Is CTE the Same as a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Not exactly. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when an external force—like a blow or sudden jolt—disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries.

CTE is different because it refers to a long-term degenerative condition that researchers have connected to repeated brain trauma. Not everyone who has a TBI develops CTE, but repeated injuries may increase risk.

Who May Be at Risk for CTE?

CTE is most commonly discussed in athletes, but repeated head trauma can happen in other settings, too. 

People who may face elevated risk include:

  • Those involved in multiple car accidents
  • People who experience repeated falls
  • Workers in jobs where head impacts are more common
  • Victims of assaults involving the head

If you’ve had more than one head injury or symptoms that won’t go away, it’s a good idea to talk with a medical provider. 

Contact Ty Robinson Personal Injury and Car Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation with a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

If you suffered a head injury in a crash, fall, or other incident in Charleston, South Carolina, you may have questions about what comes next. For more information, contact Ty Robinson Personal Injury and Car Accident Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with a Charleston personal injury lawyer. We can walk you through every step of the legal process.

Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 278-2222