Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease
that has been neuropathologically diagnosed in contact and collision sport athletes,
military veterans, and others with a history of exposure to repetitive head impacts
(RHI). Identifying methods to diagnose and prevent CTE during life is a high priority.
Timely diagnosis and implementation of treatment and preventative strategies for neurodegenerative
diseases, including CTE, partially hinge upon early and accurate risk characterization.
Here, we propose a framework of risk factors that influence the neuropathological
development of CTE. We provide an up-to-date review of the literature examining cumulative
exposure to RHI as the environmental trigger for CTE. Because not all individuals
exposed to RHI develop CTE, the direct and/or indirect influence of nonhead trauma
exposure characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race, genetics) on the pathological development
of CTE is reviewed. We conclude with recommendations for future directions, as well
as opinions for preventative strategies that could mitigate risk.
Keywords
chronic traumatic encephalopathy - concussion - subconcussions - repetitive head impacts
- risk factors
