Researchers Find Possible Marker to Diagnose CTE in Living Athletes

According to research published in the journal PLOS One, scientists are making new headway in being able to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) while patients are still alive.

CTE is a neurological disorder that commonly affects professional football and hockey players, with symptoms ranging from memory loss and confusion to increased aggression and rage. Some sufferers also experience suicidal behavior.

While research is still in the beginning stages, the new study shows that patients previously diagnosed with CTE have “significantly higher” levels of a protein called CCL11—and the more years someone played football, the higher the amount of CCL11 in their brains.

The senior author of the study, Dr. Ann McKee, told CNN that “the findings of this study are the early steps toward identifying CTE during life. Once we can successfully diagnose CTE in living individuals, we will be much closer to discovering treatments for those who suffer from it.”

At Gordon Gordon & Centracchio, we specialize in representing professional athletes who have signs and symptoms of neurological complications related to repetitive head trauma, including CTE, post-concussion syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and memory loss. From representing players in union grievances to testifyingglgloagainst changes to worker’s compensation laws, we’re experienced in defending the best interests of professional athletes. If you or someone you love is suffering due to injuries from professional sports, contact GLO today.

Read more about CCL11 research and the report’s findings at CNN.com.