Reducing the risks of brain injury, with Kim Gorgens, PhD
Oct 2, 2024
43:35
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Join Kim Gorgens, PhD, a concussion researcher and brain health advocate, as she delves into the critical issue of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Discover the staggering 2.8 million TBIs occurring annually in the U.S. and the heightened risks among youth athletes and vulnerable populations like domestic violence survivors. Gorgens discusses the need for better protective gear in sports, the complexities of diagnosing TBIs, and emphasizes holistic recovery approaches, advocating for informed care to mitigate long-term impacts on mental health.
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Quick takeaways
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) risks extend beyond athletes, significantly affecting vulnerable groups like domestic violence survivors and individuals in the criminal justice system.
Effective TBI recovery requires a holistic approach addressing both physical and mental health needs, highlighting the importance of education for healthcare providers.
Deep dives
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) encompasses a variety of injuries caused by external forces, including impact to the head and anoxic injuries arising from oxygen deprivation. TBI is diagnosed mainly through subjective assessments, as there remains a lack of comprehensive diagnostic tests, particularly for mild injuries. Any alteration of consciousness, including fainting or losing consciousness, is classified as a mild brain injury. Defining TBI accurately is crucial for appropriate treatment and recovery protocols, as misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate care and perpetuate symptoms.
Risks in Youth Sports and the Importance of Protective Measures
Youth sports pose significant risks for TBIs, with not only football, but a range of activities contributing to injuries, especially due to rotational forces experienced by young players. Strength disparities among youth athletes and the dynamics of play increase the incidence of such injuries in sports like ice hockey or wrestling. Implementing protective measures, such as awareness campaigns and adapted training methods, is essential for minimizing these risks, while emphasizing that head injuries can also arise from activities like diving. Ensuring that coaches are educated about concussion management is key to safeguarding athletes and shaping safer sporting environments.
TBI Prevalence in Overlooked Populations
Studies highlight the disproportionately high rates of TBI among populations often overlooked, such as survivors of domestic violence and individuals within the criminal justice system. Shockingly, 70% of women experiencing intimate partner violence report being strangled, resulting in severe brain injuries akin to those seen in retired NFL players. This raises important public health concerns, as these individuals usually lack the attention and resources typically afforded to more recognized groups, underscoring a dire need for comprehensive care and support systems. Addressing these disparities is crucial for enhancing recovery and improving long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Interventions and the Role of Psychology in Recovery
Effective intervention strategies for TBI recovery involve comprehensive holistic support that accommodates both physical and psychological needs. This includes promoting optimal rest, nutrition, stress management, and awareness of cognitive limitations during treatment. The stigma surrounding brain injuries can hinder patients from accessing necessary psychological care, resulting in a gap in effective treatment for related mental health issues. Educating healthcare providers about TBI's implications and integrating this knowledge into care frameworks could significantly improve recovery trajectories for affected individuals.
Every year, there are more than 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. The risks of brain injury among youth athletes, pro football players and military veterans have all made headlines in recent years. But other populations are at increased risk as well – including people in the criminal justice system and domestic violence survivors. Concussion researcher and brain health advocate Kim Gorgens, PhD, talks about how to identify TBI, what happens to the brain when you get a concussion, what we should we be doing to protect athletes and help them recover, and what could we be doing to mitigate the harms of brain injury in often-overlooked populations such as domestic violence survivors.