Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a relatively rare brain condition associated with repeated blows to the head. It was first reported in professional boxers almost one hundred years ago, and has more recently been identified in athletes from a variety of contact sports including American Football, rugby league and Australian Rules football. It has also been identified in some American military personnel, many of whom were exposed to blast-type injuries. The incidence of CTE in Australian ex-military personnel is unknown.

CTE is a lesser known form of dementia and can occur at any age, and in most cases the first symptoms occur years or decades after brain injury. Signs of CTE include problems with thinking and memory, personality changes, and behavioural changes including aggression and depression.

For more comprehensive information and resources on CTE please visit our sister website at the Australian Sports Brain Bank.