Loading...
Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Sophie Farley
Second Advisor
Timothy Besse
Abstract
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative condition that is associated with a history of repetitive head trauma. This condition cannot be diagnosed until after the patient is deceased, leading to challenges for clinicians in identifying and managing patients presenting with CTE features. By identifying patients at risk for CTE and the presence of associated symptoms, clinicians can intervene as early as possible to prevent the progression of the disease and manage patient’s symptoms to ensure better quality of life. There is no definitive treatment for CTE, but guidelines have been established to help mitigate that potentially life altering symptoms of neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive and motor decline. This paper aims to educate clinicians on modern CTE research findings regarding proposed risk factors, signs, symptoms, diagnostics, and management of CTE. Peer reviewed literature from recent years was evaluated to provide a summary of the current understanding of CTE, guidelines for management, and future directions for research of the condition.
Recommended Citation
Woods, Veronica, "Review of Diagnosis & Treatment of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Adults" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 36.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/36
Review of Diagnosis & Treatment of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Adults
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative condition that is associated with a history of repetitive head trauma. This condition cannot be diagnosed until after the patient is deceased, leading to challenges for clinicians in identifying and managing patients presenting with CTE features. By identifying patients at risk for CTE and the presence of associated symptoms, clinicians can intervene as early as possible to prevent the progression of the disease and manage patient’s symptoms to ensure better quality of life. There is no definitive treatment for CTE, but guidelines have been established to help mitigate that potentially life altering symptoms of neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive and motor decline. This paper aims to educate clinicians on modern CTE research findings regarding proposed risk factors, signs, symptoms, diagnostics, and management of CTE. Peer reviewed literature from recent years was evaluated to provide a summary of the current understanding of CTE, guidelines for management, and future directions for research of the condition.