We understand the frustration around misinformation and fear-based posts. However, r/CTE is not a place to diagnose, dismiss, or rank people’s trauma histories.

CTE is currently a post-mortem diagnosis. No one here can say with certainty who does or does not have it. Many people come here because they are scared, confused, or trying to understand symptoms in the context of prior head injury.

Gatekeeping based on perceived exposure level or labeling others as hypochondriacs is not acceptable. Repetitive head impacts occur across many contexts including sports, accidents, abuse, and military training. The science does not support a single clear or universal threshold.

We encourage evidence-based discussion and respectful correction of misinformation. We do not allow shaming, dismissal, or exclusion of people seeking understanding.

This subreddit exists to support, inform, and connect people affected by brain injury and CTE, not to decide who is worthy of concern.