What Is CTE?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. It’s most often seen in athletes—such as football and hockey players—and military veterans. Symptoms, which usually appear years after repeated trauma, include memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and trouble with clear thinking.
CTE Mentioned in NYC Shooting Case
Police say the 27-year-old gunman behind Monday’s Midtown Manhattan shooting, identified as Shane Tamura, left a note claiming he suffered from CTE. Tamura, who died by suicide after the attack that killed four people, had played high school football but never went pro. Investigators have found no evidence he had a traumatic brain injury or any links to the military or NFL.
CTE Diagnosis and Research
CTE can’t be confirmed in living individuals. While doctors may suspect it based on symptoms and personal history, a definitive diagnosis is only possible after death, through brain autopsy. Experts look for telltale changes in brain cells, especially involving tau proteins.
Boston University’s Role in CTE Research
The UNITE Brain Bank at Boston University is one of the leading centers studying CTE. It holds over 1,500 donated brains, with more than 800 confirmed CTE cases—mostly from athletes and veterans exposed to repeated head trauma.
Stay informed with the latest news this weekend at QueOndaMagazine.com