VA CSTE Brain Bank
The VA CSTE Brain Bank was established in 2008 at the Bedford Veterans Administration Medical Center in Bedford, MA, under the leadership of neuropathologist and neurologist Dr. Ann McKee.
Purpose of the Brain Bank:
The purpose of the VA CSTE Brain Bank is to collect and study post-mortem human brain and spinal cord tissue to better understand the effects of trauma on the human nervous system. The VA CSTE Brain Bank will initially:
- Acquire tissue samples and clinical information from deceased athletes to better understand the pathology, etiology, and epidemiology of trauma related neurodegenerative disorders.
- Help establish:
- A diagnostic test for CTE in living persons
- Genetic risk factors
- Environmental risk factors
- Treatment for CTE
- Report findings to caregivers in a timely fashion
- Share data and findings with other researchers
- Store tissues for future studies conducted at CSTE as well as other laboratories around the world
All publication of findings are de-identified (without name and identifiable details) unless CSTE has received permission from the family to publicize the subject’s participation.
Family members of deceased athletes may donate their loved one’s brain and spinal cord after their death to the VA CSTE Brain Bank to be examined neuropathologically for evidence of CTE or other disorders of the central nervous system. The family member(s) will be interviewed for a history of their loved one, including their loved one’s athletic and concussion history, educational and occupational history, medical history and history of cognitive, behavioral, and mood symptoms.
VA CSTE Brain Bank Contact Information:
Clifford Robbins
Study Coordinator
617-414-8389
carobbin@bu.eduFor urgent brain donation matters, page CSTE staff at:
Primary: (617) 638-5795 pager ID# 6144
Secondary: (508) 322-0875