What is CTE Brain Injury, and Can You Claim Compensation?

CTE brain injury is known in medical terms as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It is a brain injury that is progressive, meaning it only occurs several years after having repeated head injuries or concussions. It can be difficult to diagnose CTE and is usually only diagnosed after death.

What is CTE brain injury, and can you claim compensation?

CTE brain injury is a type of head or traumatic brain injury. It is a progressive brain condition, meaning it usually occurs after repeated concussions or blows to your head.

CTE is often associated with contact sports, such as rugby or boxing. Most of the people who get CTE are ex-athletes, although anybody can get CTE if they have suffered multiple head injuries. The symptoms of CTE are similar to other head injuries, meaning that in many cases, a conclusive diagnosis of CTE is only reached after death. However, a doctor can perform scans to rule out other conditions.

Head injury compensation claims

CTE is often associated with contact sports, such as rugby or boxing. Most of the people who get CTE are ex-athletes, although anybody can get CTE if they have suffered multiple head injuries. The symptoms of CTE are similar to other head injuries, meaning that in many cases, a conclusive diagnosis of CTE is only reached after death. However, a doctor can perform scans to rule out other conditions.

As CTE is caused by multiple head injuries or concussions, you may be entitled to a head injury compensation claim if you are able to prove negligence. This depends on how you suffered the head injuries - if you work as an athlete or in a high-contact sport, your employer is responsible for your safety. This includes giving you the correct protective equipment to wear during contact sports.

CTE and similar traumatic brain injuries may occur if you were involved in a road or cycling accident that was not your fault. Sometimes CTE can be caused if you have epilepsy that is poorly controlled, and you hit your head repeatedly during seizures. If you can prove medical negligence for your epilepsy control, you may be able to claim compensation.

The best way to find out about brain injury claims and to see if you have a case is by speaking to a serious injury solicitor. Like any other personal injury claims, they have the knowledge and expertise to help you get the compensation you deserve for rehabilitation, time off work, and medical bills.

What are the symptoms of CTE?

The symptoms of CTE can differ from one individual to the next. It can be very similar to other brain conditions, such as Alzheimer’s. That is why a doctor will rule out other conditions before deciding whether you might have CTE. The only way to prove a serious brain injury is by speaking to a medical professional and getting the correct diagnostic tests.

CTE symptoms get worse over time and usually happen years after having repeated concussions or head injuries. This can make it harder to claim, as you need to prove head injuries in the past were the reason for your symptoms now.

Symptoms

• The common symptoms of CTE can include:
• mood changes, such as depression, frustration, anxiety, and frequent mood swings
• short-term memory loss
• trouble thinking and concentrating
• disorientation or confusion

Eventually, these symptoms can lead to dementia, and cause symptoms such as:

• severe memory problems
• difficult swallowing or eating (in rare cases)
• slurred speech
• parkinsonism, which is the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as muscle stiffness and tremors

If you or a loved one has any of the above symptoms, it is best to seek medical help. A doctor may do a brain scan known as an MRI, which can help to rule out conditions other than CTE.

When should I speak to a serious injury solicitor about my brain injury?

Whether you think you have CTE or another brain injury, you should speak to a solicitor straight away. If you can prove this was due to the negligence of a business or medical professional, you may be able to make a brain injury claim. You may also be able to get compensation if a loved one was diagnosed with CTE following their death.

Speak to the brain injury solicitors at Potter Rees Dolan, and we can help you find out whether you have a medical negligence case. Contact us on 0800 027 2557 to find out more.