Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Overview

There’s no conclusive way to diagnose CTE while a person is alive. The only way to do that is to examine samples of a person’s brain under a microscope, which is only possible during an autopsy after death.

While experts may not be able to confirm CTE before death, they can still make a presumptive diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical and neurological exam. They’ll also review your history of head injuries and recommend certain lab and imaging tests. The most common tests don’t diagnose CTE. Instead, they rule out other conditions. They include:

Computed tomography (CT) scans.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
Testing of cerebrospinal fluid, collected with a spinal tap (lumbar puncture).

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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