Opinion statement
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a unique neurodegenerative disease found in individuals with a history of repetitive head impacts. The neuropathology of CTE is increasingly well defined. Prospective, longitudinal studies with post-mortem neuropathologic validation as well as in vivo diagnostic techniques are needed in order to advance the understanding of CTE clinically. Given the large number of individuals who incur concussions and other forms of brain trauma, this is an important area for scientific and public health inquiry.
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Christine M. Baugh and Clifford A. Robbins declare that their institution has received R01 grant support from the NIH. Robert A. Stern declares that his institution has received R01 grant support from the NIH. Dr. Stern also declares the receipt of consulting fees from Athena Diagnostics, as well as gifts to his institution from the National Football League, the Andlinger Foundation, and the NFL Players Association. Dr. Stern also receives royalties from Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc., for psychological tests developed, and he has received consulting fees from law firms in cases involving sports-related brain trauma. Ann C. McKee declares that she has no conflict of interest.
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Robert A. Stern and Ann C. McKee contributed equally to the manuscript.
This article is part of the Topical Collection on Traumatic Brain Injury
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Baugh, C.M., Robbins, C.A., Stern, R.A. et al. Current Understanding of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Curr Treat Options Neurol 16, 306 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-014-0306-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-014-0306-5