Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy | CTE Treatment in Rochester, NY

What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) most often found in people who have experienced repeated head injuries or concussions. CTE is characterized by permanent damage or destruction of cells in the brain.

CTE is rare, but most commonly seen in athletes from contact sports and military veterans, though anyone with a history of repeated trauma to the head may be susceptible.

Over time, these injuries can cause changes in thinking, memory, mood, and movement. Symptoms might not appear until years after the injuries and are often progressive.

Common Symptoms of CTE

Memory loss, confusion, and trouble concentrating
Difficulty making decisions and planning
Changes in behavior, such as irritability, aggression, or depression
Movement issues like tremors, poor balance or clumsy walking
Emotional changes, including anxiety and suicidal thoughts

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms after repeated brain injuries, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible.

If you are in crisis, call the Mental Health Crisis Call Line at (585) 275-8686. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

At the University of Rochester Medical Center, our dedicated team is focused on helping brain injury patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How is CTE diagnosed?

The only way to definitively diagnosis CTE is after death during an autopsy of the brain. Part of the evaluation for CTE includes ruling out other conditions which can have similar symptoms to CTE. Our experts may use the following methods to evaluate patients for CTE:

Detailed review of your medical, sports and occupational history
Physical and neurologic exams
Cognitive and neuropsychiatric testing
Brain imaging (like MRI or CT scan)
Participation in research programs, like studies on new tests and markers

What treatments are available for CTE?

There is no cure for CTE currently. Treatment for CTE focuses on managing symptoms:

Cognitive therapy to help with memory, attention, and problem-solving
Behavioral therapy to address mood, depression, or impulsivity
Physical therapy to improve movement and balance
Occupational therapy to improve the ability to perform daily tasks
Medications for depression, anxiety, sleep, or pain when appropriate

Our neurological rehabilitation plans are tailored to each patient. We provide regular follow-up to monitor changes and adjust therapies as needed.

What Sets Us Apart?

We are the only full-service trauma center in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region. The American College of Surgeons has officially verified us as a Level 1 Trauma Center, the highest designation. It means we’re recognized as able to give complete care for all aspects of traumatic brain injury—from prevention through treatment and rehabilitation. We are also home to the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region's only Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit.

We're uniquely staffed to match a patient’s injury to a physician who specializes in those exact needs. These subspecialists examine patients in the hospital and admit them to acute inpatient rehabilitation if needed, then continue to care for patients in an outpatient setting to improve their quality of life.

Our Traumatic Brain Injury program provides surgical and non-surgical care for head-injury patients, with neurosurgeons with renowned expertise in treating TBI available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.