Keeping Brain Injuries in Mind

March 04, 2010

Sports and recreational activities cause almost four million concussions a year in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

With March being Brain Injury Awareness Month, we asked Assistant Professor of Biology Andrew Mazurkie, who teaches about the brain in three of his classes, for insight on this issue.

[In the photo above, Mazurkie explores a model of the brain with Caroline Foisy '11]

In considering this topic, Mazurkie notes that "while the brain is not as vulnerable as other parts of the body, thanks to the shell-like protection provided by the skull, it does not have the same capacity as the other parts to heal." That is why the best defenses against the risk of head trauma are education and prevention.

"Any blow to the head can lead to a concussion or a hemorrhage, so we have to be alert to the possibility of debilitating injury and to seek swift medical treatment. The quicker the treatment, the greater the chance of a successful outcome," he says.

College campuses are especially prone to brain injuries given the large numbers of young people active in sports or, on occasion, inclined toward hi-risk activities.

"This young population is more likely to ignore the warning signs, such as confusion, partial paralysis, loss of vision, and is often reluctant to seek medical attention," Mazurkie says.

Fortunately, in structured activities like football and hockey, coaches and officials are increasingly aware of the dangers of head traumas and are less likely to encourage players to "walk it off," as was the case in times past.

"When a player today gets a blow to the head, the mantra is 'if in doubt, sit it out' because we know that even a relatively mild blow can lead to a serious long-term injury. Thankfully also, there is less of a stigma to brain injuries and the old macho notion of toughing it out is beginning to fade away," he explains.

In the NFL today, for example, concussions are a hot topic with the league working to examine the brains of ex-NFL players who suffered concussions during their careers. The NFL is also requiring all players at its pre-draft combine this week to undergo brain activity exams.

Beyond the realm of structured activities, however, Mazurkie says friends can help as peer advocates in addressing this challenge.

"Whether it is during a party, a scrimmage game or goofing off, if someone bangs his or her head, friends should encourage them to play it safe and seek attention."

"And, remember you do not have to be knocked unconscious to have a concussion, symptoms may be evident immediately but they may take time to emerge. So getting the blow checked out is the wisest course," Mazurkie advises.

In his classes, Mazurkie, explores the structure and function of the brain, the development of the brain and how brain cells come together to create a functional center.

At Stonehill since 2008, he holds his doctorate in physiology and biophysics from Boston University's School of Medicine, which is a leader in brain research.

Mazurkie remains fascinated by his subject because, among other things, - "the brain is the only part of the body that can comprehend itself."

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