A professional boxer was knocked out in a match and has had several past concussions. He is now experiencing slurred speech and problems with coordination. What are the potential long-term risks he faces?
This boxer's symptoms may be indicative of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive degenerative disease of the brain seen in individuals with a history of repetitive brain trauma, including symptomatic concussions and asymptomatic subconcussive hits to the head. CTE symptoms can include problems with thinking and memory, personality changes, and behavior changes including aggression and depression. This individual should be evaluated by a neurologist or other specialist familiar with CTE.