Some people think that a hit on the head isn’t really a big deal unless the person who receives it loses consciousness.
While it’s true that light hits to the head might not do any real damage, there’s a chance that repeated injuries to the head could lead to a fatal condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
What is CTE?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is often associated with athletes in high contact sports, such as football. It’s possible that anyone who suffers repeated hits to the head could end up with CTE.
One of the most troublesome points about this condition is that there aren’t any diagnostic tools that can provide a diagnosis while the person is still living. CTE is only diagnosed when the brain is examined during an autopsy.
Why is CTE problematic?
Because it can’t be diagnosed while the person is alive, it’s very difficult to treat. The condition is progressive, so the symptoms will continue to get worse over time. But, it might be challenging to pinpoint the fact that the person is suffering from CTE.
In extreme cases, CTE can lead to impulsive behaviors. The person might become very aggressive, even when they were timid before the changes in the brain. Some people might be suicidal.
The condition is caused by changes in the brain that are because of the protein tau. This causes the brain to start to waste away and can change the blood flow through the affected blood vessels. It can take years for symptoms to appear.
People who suffer a brain injury that’s due to another person’s negligence might opt to pursue a claim for compensation. This can help them to recover the financial damages that they’re dealing with because of the injury. Filing the claim quickly is imperative because of strict time limits that are set by California laws.