'Concussion' The Movie

I saw an interesting interview on GMA with Dr. Omalu.  His research and p.o.v. are SO important to the future of brain health, worldwide.  This isn't just an issue about the NFL, although that is where a lot of the focus is.  Concussions, and the long term aftermath, isn't just about contact sports, but about head injuries of any kind.

During his interview, Dr. Omalu demonstrated with a balloon in a jar, what happens to the brain itself when it gets rattled around inside the brain.  That isn't normal.  The cerebral spinal fluid is a cushion, but it has its limits.  What is rarely discussed is that the interior of the skull isn't a smooth surface.  It is jagged and rough, which can lead to bruising, tearing and bleeding of the brain.  That can also lead to everything from mild damage to death.  That can also include swelling.  All of this can lead to dramatic life changes or the end of life.

Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, a neurosurgeon, has repeatedly pointed out that this isn't just about football or traditional contact sports.  CTE can result from other activities, like bicycle accidents or any other brain trauma.

This still comes down to the real 'cure' for conditions like CTE and hydrocephalus, is prevention.  Once the damage is done, it is done.  Every case is unique, so while some will have mild impairment, others will have massive life changes, or even death.  The focus on 'cure' after the fact needs to be tempered.  Training first responders is vitally important--as we have seen with those who have been 'in charge' of determining concussion protocols and failing to do their job.  We've seen that on the field in football.  More than once, I've seen the footage of an NFL player 'down' on the field, "out cold" and seen signs (however slight) that the player is having a seizure--not just "out cold".

We've also heard the reports that Freddy Grey (sp) was heard 'banging' in the van while handcuffed.  Chances are pretty good that what the officers heard was Mr. Grey having a seizure and not properly responding to it.  They have no idea what was going on, they simply assumed that it was Mr. Grey's choice.  Seizing isn't the person's choice.  It is electrical misfires in the brain that happen when the brain is assaulted or because of damage.  Treatment does NOT include putting anything in the person's mouth or attempting to stop the seizure, only making sure that the person is on their side and not being injured during the seizure itself.

There are over one hundred types of seizures someone can have.  They can acquire the condition (it isn't a disease) at any time of life, usually because of an brain injury of some type.  Having untrained people around can be worse than doing nothing!

I'm hoping that 'Concussion', the movie, helps to break stereotypes and leads to the general public learning more about the brain and appreciating its unique and priceless part it plays in everyone's life.

OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF DAMON JANES

OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF DAMON JANES

It is always sad to lose someone, especially someone so young.  Add the element of the unnecessary, illegal helmet to helmet hit and its avoidability and the tragedy reaches a new level.

So many remain unaware of the very real dangers of concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBIs).  We are coming to the end of National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and I couldn't find one word from the sports reporters about it or the avoidability of acquiring hydrocephalus through contact sports, like football.  In the coming weeks we will hear about the promising life of Damon Janes, but little or nothing about how avoidable this was.  Helmets are, honestly, a false sense of safety.

More than what goes on inside the helmet is what goes on with the brain inside the skull, which is rough and jagged, not smooth or soft.  In small children it used to be known as Shaken Baby Syndrome.  In teens & adults it is simply a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and that is as far as most reporters take it, falsely believing that the audience "wouldn't understand" if it was explained.  A bruise to the brain or a brain bleed can/does lead to increased pressure on the brain, which can be caused by altering the flow of the fluid that bathes the brain & spine.  You don't "walk off" the effects of a hit to the head, period.  The person who received the blow may not know that they are danger.  The potential patient can think they are fine, especially if they don't have any reference point to go by.  Just looking at them isn't going to tell you what you need to know.

A couple of years ago I spoke with a police representative locally who was amazed that someone could have a brain bleed, or bruise, think they were fine, go to bed and never wake up.  That is the reality of a TBI, especially a closed head injury.

Not just coaches, but parents and players need to be more aware of the potential dangers in having their kids playing contact sports.  I'm not saying never play, just to be very aware of the downsides, as well as the positives.  Rules about what hits are legal and not also needs to be taken more seriously.  It isn't about chickening out or not being a member of the team, it is about long term care and a life away from the field.

Shunts have come a long way, but they are a treatment, not a cure.  The only cure is prevention.  In this case, making sure that hits like the one Mr. Janes took, are appreciated for what they are--dangerous & potentially deadly.

Looking forward to Saturday's meeting.  We will be meeting in the Casey Conference Room at Swedish Hospital's Cherry Hill Campus (17th & Jefferson, Seattle) from 12:45 pm to 3:00 pm.  Drop ins & kids are welcome, as well as anyone wanting information about hydrocephalus.