For my final neuro note, I decided
to watch a TedTalk called, “Protecting the brain against concussion” by Kim
Gorgens. This is a talk regarding how to better protect our brain against
concussions and other head related injuries. Kim Gorgens, a neuropsychologist,
gives an informative speech about the significance that brain injuries are
occurring in children and teens and makes the argument of the importance of
protecting our brains particularly in the use of helmets. Although we cannot
always protect our family members from brain trauma, it is important to be
aware of brain injuries and take preventative steps. Gorgens states that
parents should study up on the signs and symptoms of concussions, speak up to
legislative and couches about preventative head wear, and to suit up to prevent
a brain injury. In this talk, she says, “The only way to prevent a bad outcome
is to prevent the first injury from happening.” To me, that was a very powerful
statement that I think should be reinforced more in child rearing. After
learning about the different ABIs and the harsh possibilities of coma outcomes,
I have been really interested in brain injury and development, which led me to
pick this TedTalk for my last neuro note. I think Kim Gorgens shares great
points in this video in emphasizing the importance of helmets. We can truly
never be careful enough in regards to the safety of our brain. About 4 million
kids under the age of 14 are concussed per year and that is only one’s seen in
the Emergency Department. It is a common misconception that a concussion refers
to the lack of consciousness, however, the definition of a concussion is the
change of consciousness which includes feeling foggy, dizzy, ear ringing, or
even just a change in a person’s attitude. After listening to this TedTalk, it
makes me think more about the safety in kids playing contact sports. I think an
advanced protocol needs to be put in place to determine if a child should be
able to go back onto the field after a head blow. I think this would prevent brain
injuries and side effects later in life. Gorgens also talks about how the
proposed law for all people under the age of 18 should wear a helmet when
cycling was recently rejected. To me, this is baffling and makes me think that
the average person may not have a clear understanding of just how detrimental a
head injury could be to person’s life and their future. I think, as OTs
spreading awareness about preventative head injuries is important for our scope
of practice.
https://www.ted.com/talks/kim_gorgens_protecting_the_brain_against_concussion
