Biomarkers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy: A state-of-the art review

Abstract

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that occurs several years following repetitive mild concussive or sub concussive brain injuries. To date, it is a post-mortem diagnosis. Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) is a framework that was developed as a clinical predictor of CTE in living individuals. Development of biomarkers of CTE, detectable through imaging or bodily fluids will aid improve the diagnostic accuracy of CTE in life, and help develop prevention and therapeutic strategies. This article reviews biomarkers investigated to date, and discusses challenges and future avenues in this burgeoning field.

Keywords

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
• Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome
• Biomarker
• Imaging
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Blood