Chronic traumatic encephalopathy remains poorly understood – despite links to contact sports, experts warn today.
Writing today (13 February) in The Lancet Neurology doctors, led by Dr Willie Stewart of the University of Glasgow, UK, call for balance on the issue.
Dr Stewart and 60 other neuroscientists from several countries are concerned about the tone of reporting around chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
The condition has been linked with contact sports such as boxing, football, American football and rugby, but it is not yet fully understood.
“Many important aspects of the disease are yet to be established," the experts write.
Dr Stewart explains: “In recent years there has been a worrying trend to imply that the causes, diagnosis and prevalence of CTE are fully understood, or at least that data to date leave little doubt.
“The truth is we know very little about CTE, certainly not enough to be able to estimate with any certainty how many people might be affected, or what the various symptoms might be. Much more research effort is required before we can confidently say we understand this condition.”
Co-author, Dr Douglas Smith of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, adds: “Current reporting on the possible consequences of CTE without acknowledging the many unknowns and uncertainties can do real harm.
“In particular, individuals with potentially treatable conditions might make decisions on their future based on a misguided understanding that their symptoms are the inevitable consequence of a brain disease that will lead to dementia.”
Stewart, W. et al. Primum non nocere: a call for balance when reporting on CTE. The Lancet Neurology 13 February 2019
Leave a Reply