A study by researchers at Newcastle University suggests that mild traumatic brain injuries can cause more lasting brain damage than previously thought.
Led by Andrew Blamire, professor of magnetic resonance physics, the study compared brain imaging and thinking tests between healthy people and those with relatively minor concussions. Many individuals were found to have cognitive problems immediately following the injury; whilst the problems did improve over time, imaging tests showed evidence of brain damage and continued disruption to brain cells one year on, suggesting that the recovery of thinking skills can take a long time.
Some 90% of TBIs are classed as mild to moderate; minor concussions might be caused by falling off a bike, being in a slow speed car crash, or being hit in a fight.
The study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) not normally used for mild injuries. Blamire considers the study a first step to better understanding and treating mild TBI that includes better educating clinicians, targeting intervention and improving recovery.
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