Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Brain injuries can have lasting effects on memory, mood, and cognitive function. Now, researchers have made an important discovery that could change how we detect one of the most serious brain conditions linked to repeated trauma—Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. At the center of this research is a protein called tau, which could help doctors identify brain damage before it becomes severe.
This matters not only for former athletes and veterans but also for people injured in car accidents, falls, or workplace incidents. When someone else’s negligence causes these injuries, understanding the science behind the injury can strengthen your legal case.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease tied to repeated blows to the head. It’s been studied most in professional football players and military veterans, but it can also affect people who’ve suffered multiple concussions in everyday accidents.
Unlike a concussion, which has immediate symptoms, CTE develops slowly over time. People may not notice signs until years later. These signs often include memory loss, emotional changes, confusion, or even aggressive behavior. In severe cases, it may lead to dementia.
The biggest challenge with CTE has always been diagnosis. Until recently, doctors could only confirm it after death by examining brain tissue. But new research is helping change that.
This study is a major step forward in identifying biomarkers that may one day allow us to diagnose CTE in the living. — Dr. Robert Stern, Boston University.
Tau protein is typically found in the brain, where it helps maintain the stability of brain cells. But when the brain is exposed to repeated trauma, tau can clump together and form tangles. These tangles disrupt brain cell function and are considered a key indicator of CTE.
In a major study led by Boston University, researchers used brain scans of 26 deceased NFL players. Each of these individuals had shown signs of CTE while alive. Using PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging, scientists measured the percentage of tau protein in the brains of the participants. They compared them to a control group of men who had not played football.
The results showed that the players had much higher levels of tau protein, and the buildup increased with the number of years they played. These findings give doctors a clearer picture of how repeated head trauma affects the brain long-term.
A 2023 analysis published in Neurology confirmed that PET imaging shows promise in detecting tau-related pathology years before symptoms become severe.
Understanding the difference between general traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and the symptoms of CTE helps doctors and lawyers build more accurate cases.
Symptom | Common in TBI | Common in CTE |
| Short-term memory loss | Yes | Yes |
| Mood swings | Yes | Yes |
| Impulsive behavior | Rare | Yes |
| Chronic headaches | Yes | Rare |
| Difficulty concentrating | Yes | Yes |
| Depression or apathy | Yes | Yes |
| Aggression | Rare | Yes |
| Suicidal thoughts | Rare | Yes |
According to the CDC, approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury each year.
When someone suffers a brain injury because of another person’s actions—such as in a car crash or on unsafe property—they may have the right to seek compensation. But brain injuries can be hard to prove, especially if symptoms don’t show up right away.
This is where research on tau proteins and CTE becomes legally relevant. With newer tools like PET scans and clinical markers, lawyers can show the long-term damage a person has suffered—even if their symptoms appear months or years later.
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, cases involving latent conditions, such as CTE, may have different timelines. It is always advisable to consult a lawyer to understand your rights.
Under Oklahoma law, injury victims typically have two years from the date of injury to submit a personal injury Claim. [12 OK Stat § 12-95]
Doctors are still a few years away from having a reliable blood or spinal fluid test for CTE. But the research is moving fast. As these tools improve, lawyers will be able to bring more substantial evidence to court showing how a head injury changed a person’s life.
Courts often rely on medical records, expert testimony, and imaging results when deciding on brain injury claims. Having clear evidence of tau buildup could help establish a connection between an injury and long-term damage, leading to more favorable outcomes in settlement or trial.
While these medical breakthroughs are encouraging, legal support is still key to ensuring that brain injury victims get the care and compensation they need.
Tau is a protein that helps stabilize brain cells. When it builds up abnormally—often due to repeated head trauma—it can interfere with brain function and signal possible CTE.
Historically, CTE could only be confirmed after death. New imaging techniques, such as PET scans that detect tau protein buildup, are changing that, although no approved diagnostic test exists yet.
Liability depends on the cause. Commonly responsible parties include negligent drivers, employers, property owners, or product manufacturers (e.g., unsafe helmets).
Delayed symptoms are common in conditions like CTE. Oklahoma’s statute of limitations generally begins at the time of injury, but exceptions may apply for latent injuries—discuss with an attorney.
No. Car accidents, slip-and-falls, assaults, and construction site incidents are all common causes of brain injuries eligible for personal injury claims.
The firm investigates your injury, gathers medical evidence, and pursues compensation for lost wages, medical bills, long-term care, and pain and suffering—all while guiding you through each step.
Tau protein research has brought us closer to understanding and identifying long-term brain injuries like CTE. For people who’ve suffered repeated trauma—whether on the field or in everyday life—this breakthrough offers hope for earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
But when someone else’s negligence causes a brain injury, medical care alone isn’t enough. Legal support can help you pursue the resources needed for recovery and long-term care. If you or someone you love is dealing with the consequences of a traumatic brain injury, learning your legal rights is the first step forward.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
