New Scientific Discovery Surrounding Impacts of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease found in people who have experienced repetitive brain trauma, such as athletes, military veterans, and construction workers. After each injury, a specific protein forms clumps, which slowly spread throughout the brain, killing brain cells as it goes. Until recently, the protein presented with a concussion diagnosis. After a three-part study at Boston University School of Medicine, CTE may not correlate with concussions at all, but the impact itself.

CTE is not a diagnosis one receives while alive because to date, proper diagnosis occurs by cutting open the brain and using a special dye to locate the Tau protein. The best information available today indicates that years of repetitive head trauma leads to CTE rather than a single traumatic injury. The new findings further explain that CTE may occur even in sub-concussive injuries and a concussion is unnecessary for development.

There are a few common symptoms in diagnosed cases. Patients experienced the following:

• Impulse control problems;
• Aggression;
• Depression; and
• Paranoia.

Did you know that a 12-inch crescent wrench falling from 58 feet hits within one second at a speed of 43.5 MPH? If a worker is directly underneath and not wearing a helmet, the results can be catastrophic. Anything can happen within a second and with no notice which is why it is always important to wear the proper personal protective equipment.

Although most news stories surrounding CTE focus on NFL-related injuries because players sustain approximately 242 concussions annually, athletes are far from the only occupation suffering from brain injuries. In the construction industry alone, 275 workers die each year because of head injuries sustained on the job. Consider also that:

• According to the CDC, construction worker deaths account for nearly one-fourth of all traumatic brain injury (TBI) related deaths;
• The construction industry has the most non-fatal TBIs annually; and
• Many construction-related TBI cases are preventable with simple measures.

See a physician immediately if you experience a head injury while at work. Although a doctor cannot diagnose you with CTE until science has further medical advancements, many of the symptoms are treatable, especially with early detection. After speaking with a doctor to ensure you are not in immediate danger, contact a Santa Clara County, CA workplace injury lawyer. The attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. understand the gravity of your situation and will dedicate their time, experience, and knowledge to holding the responsible parties accountable. Call us today at (408) 289-1417 to schedule a complimentary personalized consultation.

• Hits, not concussions, cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• What is CTE?
• Construction Safety