Increasing media attention is being paid to traumatic brain injury, from the frequency of even mild concussions to much more serious events. In all cases though, a much-needed spotlight is required for this debilitating, medical condition.
With all this attention, here are six fascinating facts about traumatic brain injury that you may not be aware of:
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the most common cause, resulting in 40.5 percent of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States.
Although traumatic brain injuries are more common than some people realize, especially among athletes (see #3), recent studies indicate that many people who show signs of this condition do not receive treatment. For example, results from a 2013 study revealed that most high school athletes would not report their symptoms to an adult. Plus, there are some people who do not recognize their symptoms as those associated with traumatic brain injuries, and therefore, do not think to seek treatment. Consequently, the number of people treated for brain injuries a year does not necessarily equal the number of people who actually suffered from this kind of condition.
The connection between athletes, particularly football, soccer and hockey players, and traumatic brain injuries and concussions is undeniable at this point. As reported by TIME Magazine in April 2016, a study by the American Academy of Neurology found that “more than 40 percent of retired NFL players show evidence of abnormal brain structures.” Plus, they may also be at risk of suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a disorder that occurs as a result of frequent head trauma.
But believe it or not, this topic didn’t just become a cause for concern in recent years—people were worrying about it in the early 20th century. Back then, there was such consternation about football players suffering brain injuries that some people wanted to ban the fledgling sport altogether.
While football-related traumatic brain injuries gain most of the media’s attention these days, athletes in other sports aren’t immune. In fact, soccer, hockey and lacrosse players frequently experience concussions as well. For instance, youth and adolescent soccer players could suffer from this kind of traumatic condition as a result of their heading the ball or colliding with another player. Professional hockey player Sidney Crosby even made headlines in 2016 after having to step away from the ice for a while due to his long history with concussions.
Athletes aren't the only ones who are getting attention because of head trauma—so have our service members. Traumatic brain injuries are actually considered the "Signature Injury" of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and recent research indicates that "the number of explosions experienced by a veteran relates to lasting changes in the activity of specific brain cells in the cerebellum, an area traditionally associated with motor coordination." This can lead to brain damage, which can affect one's overall health and quality of life. There's even evidence that there's a connection between traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a natural, and generally safe alternative treatment that may help those suffering from a traumatic brain injury recover from their injuries. Commonly, the course of treatment for traumatic brain injury, or concussion, is to simply rest, often in a quiet, dark room, until symptoms subside. However, the effectiveness of HBOT comes from actively healing the body from within. The therapy involves breathing up to 1,200% more oxygen than normal and encourages neurologic tissue regeneration and stem cell mobilization. These processes can help speed up the recovery process and reduce cognitive and neurological impairment, as well as relieve other related symptoms.
In fact, many patients receiving HBOT as a concussion treatment have reported better sleep patterns, less fatigue and tiredness, improved memory and concentration, fewer headaches, and many other benefits they had not experienced while taking medications and undergoing other types of treatments.
People with traumatic brain injuries can benefit from HBOT, but because everyone recovers at different rates, it’s best to consult with a medical professional certified in HBOT to determine which recovery program would be right for you.