Measuring brain activity could result in a more precise method for detecting concussions and assessing when those with brain injuries can return to vigorous activity. Recent research indicates that delta waves, which diminish with age and are often only present in adults with brain injuries, increased in people who had concussions. In many people with brain injuries, these levels lowered after symptoms lessened. Read on to learn more important details of this groundbreaking study.
Commentary on the Study’s Results
The study’s leader commented that because these waves are supposed to decrease as teenagers age, the results reveal that the increase in delta waves could be a marker for detecting concussions and measuring recovery in the injured. Researchers commented that they are one step closer to providing better care and better advising patients on care-based decisions.
How Concussions Occur
Concussions happen when a jolt, bump, or blow to the head results in the brain jerking back and forth violently, or when forces cause the brain to jerk inside the head violently (even when a person has not hit their head). This impact can result in chemical changes to the brain. In some cases, damage to brain cells also occurs. Football is connected with the largest number of concussions because football players experience repeated blows to the head. Mild traumatic brain injuries can result in serious symptoms including vomiting, changes to vision, headaches, cognitive issues, and more.
Diagnosis of Concussions
The diagnosis of concussions is often challenging. The various tests and checklists of symptoms used to diagnose the condition can be vague and subjective. Studies also have shown that many people hide or downplay their symptoms (often due to embarrassment), which increases the risk of misdiagnosis and other undesirable outcomes.
The Role of Delta Waves and Concussions
Recent studies that have utilized magnetoencephalography reveal that adults who incur concussions exhibit a heightened presence of delta waves. Because children have active delta waves before adulthood, it remains uncertain if delta waves can prove helpful in diagnosing concussions.
The reason for the uptick in delta waves after brain injury remains uncertain. Evidence collected from other studies, however, suggests that an increase in delta waves is connected to a metabolic mechanism, and that this type of brain behavior is a sign of healing. These findings could hopefully provide a way to diagnose concussions in young athletes and reveal when healing is complete, which could help inform when patients can return to playing sports.
The Future of the Study
The study found that, on average, people with concussions produced more delta waves. Additional studies, however, are necessary to assess the accuracy of using delta waves to diagnose cases. Subsequent research will be required to move the work into a clinical setting.
Contact a Knowledgeable Accident Attorney
Concussions and other brain injuries are common, yet serious. If you or your loved has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact House Law LLC today for assistance.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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