The Brain Impact - TBI Lab

Approximately 15-20% of individuals who experience a concussion will continue to suffer from headaches one year after the trauma occurs. This is classified as chronic post-traumatic headache (PTH), but there are many types of PTH, with different symptoms and features. Here is a quick overview of PTH and common symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10342432/

As temperatures drop, it’s important to take care of not just your physical health, but your mental health too.
Cold weather brings new experiences — cozy moments, slower days, and chances to reset. Grab a hot cup of cocoa, listen to your favorite tunes, and give yourself permission to rest and recharge.
Your brain deserves care in every season 🤍

Sources: https://ctrinstitute.com/blog/10-cool-ways-beat-winter-blues/

A team of researchers, led by Tara Alvarez, recently published a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that showed an effective way to treat some of the most common post-concussion disorders. These disorders, known as convergence insufficiency and accommodation insufficiency, cause double and blurry vision, respectively. These eye problems are one of the biggest issues for most people with post-concussion symptoms, and can impair the ability to do tasks such as reading books, working on computers, or driving.
The data showed that after 12 weeks of vision therapy, almost 90% of patients could see normally, compared with under 10% in the control group over the same period. The team also found that typical exercises to strengthen and coordinate eye muscles were just as effective in patients with head injuries as in non-concussed patients. The results of this study will be used to develop standardized protocols for post-concussion vision therapies. This new data is a promising step toward making treatment for these conditions more attainable for the many affected patients who currently face barriers such as cost, time commitment, and availability.

Source: https://news.njit.edu/vision-therapy-reverses-concussion-related-double-and-blurred-vision-njit-led-study-finds

As we are heading into the new year, we aim to become a better version of ourselves. But we wonder, how can I get this done? According to a recent study, scientists uncover the 10,000 hour rule. They mention that even world-class athletes or musicians may have started with many different focuses as children and as they grew older then they were able to dedicate 10,000 hours solely on one certain task to become the best at what they do.

Starting a new year, remember not everyone rises to the top overnight. Becoming a master takes a lot of practice doing that one thing!

Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heres-how-much-practice-you-need-to-become-the-best-in-the-world/

A few weeks ago Emma and Goretti presented their research at the NeuroBoston conference at Tufts!

Positive thinking and self-talk can provide many health benefits like increased life span, lower levels of pain, better cardiovascular health, and better coping skills. Having a positive mindset doesn’t mean that you ignore negative situations, but that you approach them with a more productive growth mindset. Being optimistic can increase your resilience to stress, reducing the harmful effects it has on your body. Here are some examples of transforming negative self-talk into positive thoughts. Some ways to increase positive thinking are to identify small areas of negativity to focus on and be more mindful of, and to surround yourself with positive, supportive people.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

A big shoutout to Goretti España, PhD, for presenting her incredible research at the Society for Neuroscience Conference this past week! 🎉🧠

If you’re looking for some ways to boost your brain function and connectivity, here are some activities you can try! They can help increase memory, cognition, and creativity, and protect the brain from age-related degeneration.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brain-exercises

As the days get shorter, it’s normal to feel a little less motivated or energized. 🌥️ For some, this shift is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but with the right habits, you can get ahead of those winter blues.
A few small changes like spending time outdoors, staying social, and keeping your body moving can make a big difference.
Take care of yourself this season, check in on loved ones, and remember: brighter days are on the way. 🌤️
If you ever need support, call or text 988 for free, confidential help 24/7.

Source: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-winter-blues-and-self-care-tips-to-get-ahead-of-symptoms/2023/11

Abbott has developed the first commercially available blood test for acute concussion evaluation. This “Alinity i TBI test” quickly screens patients to decide whether a CT scan is necessary, saving money, time, and radiation exposure. This can also help identify mild TBI cases, which are often missed, but should still be monitored during recovery.

Soure: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2023.10.8.46

Over 75% of domestic violence survivors suffer single or repeated traumatic brain injuries. This may lead to many lasting effects such as memory problems, behavioral changes, fainting and dizziness, difficulty speaking, headaches, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. If you know anyone or you yourself are a victim of domestic violence call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (800) 799-SAFE [7233] or text “START” to 88788. Leaving is not easy. You are not alone. There is always support and a way forward.

Learn more: https://wingsprogram.com/october-is-domestic-violence-awareness-month-4-myths-and-5-ways-you-can-help/
Sources: https://wingsprogram.com/october-is-domestic-violence-awareness-month-4-myths-and-5-ways-you-can-help/

https://www.bu.edu/cte/october-cognitive-kit-domestic-violence-awareness-month/

Every survivor deserves support regardless of gender, sexuality, race, ability, or background. Let’s educate ourselves, check on each other, and stand united against intimate partner violence. Together, we can make a difference. Click the link to learn more: https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/tbi-ipv-hidden-harms/

Source: https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/tbi-ipv-hidden-harms/