Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
 

Do we have a more clear understanding of the causes of CTE? I've had a few blows to the head in my life, and am kind of worried I'm going to end up getting it if I'm not cautious enough in the future. Seems like its more common that I thought it was.

The research tends to point toward extreme numbers of subconcussive impacts as the likely primary cause of CTE. They found that individual football players usually suffered 800 or more subconcussive blows in a single season. They have observed CTE is players with no record of concussions but who played positions that were common to cause high numbers of subconcussive impacts.

They don't understand why some who have those high numbers of subconcussive impacts do not develop CTE. There is a thought that there may be a genetic component at play.

There is a strong reason to not live a life in anxiety of CTE. Anxiety reduces coordination making it more likely to suffer a concussion.

Normal risk reduction decisions like no contact sports or other risky activities and good brain health hygiene then getting on with life is best. Wearing a helmet in some activities (skiing, snowboarding, etc) is worthwhile.

I see, I'll try not to worry about a few hits to the head, because it seems to me that it mostly occurs in people who get hit hundreds of times.

I believe I have CTE.

I have had sustained innumerable concussions over a long period of time. If i'm frank with myself, probably in the ballpark of 30, but who knows, maybe more. I'm anomalous in that I went out of my way to either get my head bashed in or do it myself (over and over and over and over and over and over). I've also been assaulted so many times (one-punch knockouts).
Very, very bad anger issues + alcohol was the cause of 90% of my head injuries. Can't take any of it back, though.

Neurologically, I am falling apart. Not even remotely the same person I was a mere year ago. Every day I seem to be getting worse. I am 33.

Lucky for me (wah wah wah), no one understands or cares, because who in the hell believes someone when they say they've suffered almost as many head injuries as they've been on this earth?

I don't think a few blows will cause CTE.