FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about CTE and concussion below.
If you are concerned about symptoms you may have, please see your doctor
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Will I get CTE?
Not everyone exposed to the same duration or severity of head impacts will develop CTE. There are likely to be complex environmental and genetic factors to a person's age of presentation and whether they will get CTE at all
What is concussion?
Concussion is the development of symptoms after a direct or indirect head distortion from direct blows, to shaking, and in most cases does not lead to loss of consciousness or a 'KO'. Many people who experience a concussion do not realise that they have had a concussion.
Is head injury concerning?
Many people will recover fully from concussion and subconcussion. However, some people develop delayed or persisting symptoms, and in some cases this can relate to long term neurological problems. It is wise to discuss with your doctor about your total burden of repetitive head impacts.
Should we stop playing sport?
Life is full of risk. Any potential environment where head injury can be sustained is of concern, but this must be balanced by the benefits of sport such as vascular health, socialisation, and mental wellbeing. It is sensible to discuss with your child's doctor if concerned.
How is CTE different?
Similar to other types of dementia, CTE is a neuropathological diagnosis that can only be confirmed after life, but there is strong scientific evidence that head injury causes CTE. Doctors can provide an opinion that a person has possible, or probable, CTE. Scientists around the World are working hard to understand more about CTE and who is most at risk.
Is it Alzheimer's or CTE?
Neurologists and other cognitive specialists can understand from scans and tests the different patterns of dementia. Alzheimer's disease and CTE are different subtypes of dementia that show different signals on testing. However, the two or more types of dementia can overlap.