Concussions: Brain Bang Theory Flashcards
What is the definition of a concussion?
The definition of concussion really is an immediate alteration of mental functioning due to a blow to the head or to another part of the body. It is also almost always temporary.
Does the modern definition of concussion include loss of consciousness?
No, we now know that 95% of concussions do not occur with loss of consciousness
How many symptoms do you need to consider your injury as a concussion (according to the audio recording)?
You only need 1 = there are probably 50 symptoms that can occur initially, and then another 50 that can occur later. And it is never the same with people = different combinations.
What is the latent period?
- There is often a lag between the onset of the concussion and when the symptoms start to appear. This could be minutes, hours, or maybe days.
- You get an initial set of symptoms… nothing and then the second set of different symptoms. There can also be the 3rd phase with more severe symptoms.
Is the intensity of symptoms the same for everyone?
No, they tend to vary from one and another very significantly.
Does a concussion need to be a direct blow to the head?
No, it can also be indirect.
For example, if two players are running down a field and they collide and their chest collide, since they were going in the opposite direction, just this whiplash effect = the jiggle of the brain = on the neck can produce a concussion.
What imaging evidence can we use to detect concussion?
We know that routine imaging with CAT scans or MRI DO NOT detect concussion
But, newer modalities of MRI, may suggest that it can be detected. = not for sure yet.
WE KNOW → routine imaging is always normal = very difficult to diagnose.
Is there any imaging evidence for later → brain degeneration?
Some of the later consequences of concussion are brain degeneration = not easy to see
What is CTE?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition associated with repeated blows to the head. It is also associated with the development of dementia. Potential signs of CTE are problems with thinking and memory, personality changes, and behavioral changes including aggression and depression.
Can CTE be detected through imaging?
No, we still rely on autopsy
How are concussions related to repetitive brain trauma?
- As the number of concussions goes up, the force it needs to produce another decrease. But yet the effect on the brain goes up!
- We recognized that the second blow that causes a concussion, doesn’t have to be as a high of a force as the first blow
- The fifth blow can be actually minimal force as compared to the first blow
- The recovery from the 8th concussion is significantly longer than the recovery from the second concussion
What are some signs and symptoms of a concussion?
IMAGE
What don’t we know about concussions?
- We don’t know why the tau protein gets deposited in nerve cells as a result of trauma.
- Can only be identified by autopsy
- In CTE, a protein called Tau forms clumps that slowly spread throughout the brain, killing brain cells. CTE has been seen in people as young as 17, but symptoms do not generally begin appearing until years after the onset of head impacts.
How would stem cells be useful for traumatic injuries?
- They are hopeful that stem cells would be useful for major brain damage.
- Example, when a hockey player got into a fight on the ice, and hit his head on the ice → and needed surgery to remove two blood clots in the brain
- The hope for this particular patient is to be able to restore those areas in the brain that have been removed with the use of stem cells. → restore the lost tissue.
Is there a genetic factor that we should consider when we are thinking about concussions?
Yes, there are some links to families.
There could be a gene that could be responsible
