Research results that even a light concussion 'rewires' the brain and has long-term effects
Since the brain is a soft tissue like tofu, it is known that even relatively light impacts such as those that occur during sports can cause damage, such as the fact that soccer players who often
Acute thalamic connectivity precedes chronic post-concussive symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury | Brain | Oxford Academic
https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad056
Even mild concussions can 'rewire' the brain, possibly causing long-term symptoms | Live Science
Almost half of people with concussion still show symptoms of brain injury six months later -- ScienceDaily
An estimated 50 million cases of TBI are reported annually worldwide, and the number of TBI cases is increasing year by year against the backdrop of an increase in falling accidents due to the aging population and an increase in traffic accidents in low- and middle-income countries. In response, scientists launched 'CENTER-TBI', a project aimed at improving treatment for TBI patients.
A research team led by Rebecca Woodrow of the University of Cambridge, who analyzed the CENTER-TBI data, wrote in a paper published in the neurology journal Brain in February 2023, ``Complete recovery is expected within 6 months. It turned out that even with mild TBI, there are many cases in which problems persist beyond six months.' According to research results, almost half, 45%, have symptoms due to brain damage, and TBI patients are suffering from fatigue, reduced concentration, and headaches.
``We were amazed at how many TBI patients had a poor outcome. Almost half of them were affected,'' Woodrow told Live Science, a scientific news site.
Of particular concern is mild TBI, which is often dismissed as a mild concussion. Patients with moderate to severe TBI receive commensurate treatment, while those with mild TBI receive limited care and little support.
To better understand the damage to the brains of TBI patients, the researchers conducted a study comparing data from 108 TBI patients who had their brains examined at CENTER-TBI and 78 healthy controls. . It is worth noting that CENTER-TBI collects not only standard MRI and CT scan data for examining brain structure, but also functional MRI (fMRI) data for examining brain function. Mild TBI is usually not done until fMRI.
As a result of analysis, CT scans and MRI did not show any structural changes in the brains of TBI patients, but fMRI showed that ``the connection between the thalamus and other regions is significantly stronger'' compared to healthy subjects. was shown.
The thalamus is often referred to as the 'brain relay' because it acts as a pathway for relaying brain signals. According to Live Science, TBI may strengthen connections between the thalamus and other parts of the brain in an attempt to compensate for damage to different parts of the brain.
Woodrow added, ``Since the thalamus is located in the center of the brain, it is vulnerable to impact from any direction. There is,' he pointed out.
Previous studies have already confirmed that connectivity across the brain increases in moderate to severe TBI, and the research team said in the paper, ``Previous studies have attempted to respond to injury by increasing connectivity in the brain. We support the 'adaptive hyperconnection hypothesis' that
The current study not only shows that mild TBI alters connectivity in the brain, but also shows that the areas where hyperconnection is most pronounced are associated with specific symptoms, such as emotional and cognitive symptoms. rice field. Changes in these connections also correlated with neurotransmitter concentrations in brain regions. Therefore, the research team believes that drugs can be developed that modulate these neurotransmitters to treat mild TBI.
The researchers will next investigate the effects of repetitive concussions, which are common in sports, and whether TBI has a cumulative effect, or whether the effects of concussions become more severe with each impact to the brain. etc. will be investigated.
Related Posts:
in Science, Posted by log1l_ks