Dr. Ann McKee says that even though CTE is triggered by trauma, at some point it becomes trauma-independent. Studies show that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive disease. While it takes time for the disease to become full-blown, there are many examples of suicidality, impulsivity, depression, erratic behaviors, and lack of self-control in young athletes with low-level CTE.
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This video was produced by BrainLine thanks to generous support from the Infinite Hero Foundation.
About the author: Ann McKee, MD
Ann McKee, MD is the chief neuropathologist for the Framingham Heart Study and the Boston University-based Centenarian Study. She is also the chief neuropathologist for the Boston-based Veterans Administration Medical Centers and for the Sports Legacy Institute.
