Neuro note #5


I think the TEDtalk Protecting the brain against concussion should be watched by everyone. This TEDtalk by Kim Gorgens, a neuropsychologist, is not only relevant for those in the medical profession, but I believe it is important for everyone to hear. Whether it’s an overprotective parent or a teenager who thinks they are invincible, this talk meets right in the middle for listeners from any side to learn something. 
Gorgens shows examples of different impacts on the brain: a 40-mph car wreck, a boxer getting punched, and a tackle in football. The force on the brain of the kid that gets tackled in football is twice the impact of getting punched by a boxer, and three times the impact of a car-wreck. This was a very surprising fact to me, especially since my brother played football for over 10 years. My parents were always nervous about him getting concussions, so after his 2nd (and last concussion) in high school, they demanded the school provide him with a helmet with extra padding. The school was hesitant because they were new and very expensive, but the other parents of players with concussions also demanded these helmets be an option. My brother and his friends were annoyed because the helmet was slightly larger and heavier than a typical helmet. However, the benefits of this helmet were well worth the extra size. 
I would recommend this TEDtalk to my family and friends, and pretty much everyone I know. This TEDtalk does a great job of promoting the idea of allowing kids to be kids, and gives excellent preventative ways to keep their brain safe while doing so.

Gorgens, K. (May 2010). Protecting the brain against concussion [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.ted.com/talks/kim_gorgens_protecting_the_brain_against_concussion#t-7014

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason was a safety for the New Orleans Saints. At 34 years old he started feeling a twitch in his arms, shoulders, and back. Symptoms progressively worsened, and a year later he was diagnosed with ALS. After his diagnosis, he founded the organization "Team Gleason" which advocates for individuals diagnosed with ALS. He also began recording a video journal of his life that is now a documentary called "Gleason". Steve Gleason is married, and after his diagnosis he and his wife decided to have a child together. I thought this was so interesting and very telling of their love for one another! In 2013, Steve was given the opportunity to work with Microsoft in developing a wheelchair that could be controlled with eye gaze, and he became the first person with one of these chairs! Eventually, Steve was put on a trach and feeding tube, so he is now completely dependent on this technology. Through all of the struggles that ALS can cause, Steve continues to work hard i...
Read more

Neuro Note 3: Tourette Does the Talking

I don't know a lot about Tourette's Syndrome, but I have always been intrigued so I chose to watch the TEDx Talk Tourette Does the Talking by Thomas White. I would highly recommend for everyone to watch this video. Thomas is a college student living with Tourette's Syndrome. As he is introducing himself he says, "I stand before you today, hoping to lay bare the inter-workings of a mind that attempts to remain robust, despite an unrelenting neurological assault". Thomas does a wonderful job of showing his robust mind, as well as the neurological assault he is faced with, making a clear distinction between himself and his Tourette's. This is a very raw look at a day in the life of someone with this type of Tourette's Syndrome. White, T. (2014, January 21). Tourette Does the Talking: Thomas White [video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0szLOMIt9SQ
Read more

BIG progress

The case study on Robert was so interesting. He is an 88 year old man with Parkinson's Disease, and was having a lot of trouble with motions to be able to perform ADLs such as laying down for bed or sitting to watch TV. It was really important for him to be able to go out to eat with his wife. The intervention approach was the LSVT BIG. It is a very intensive program, mostly for individuals with PD. Therapy sessions start out 4 times a week, and the client is taught how to do the program at home, with one month check ups. The program must be continued at home 4 times a week for the most success. We got to watch videos of the client before he started the program, going from sit to stand position and sitting to supine position. We then watched videos of him at his one month check up, and the progress was incredible! I was so amazed at how much he improved in such a short amount of time. The LSVT BIG is something everyone that works with geriatrics should be certified in.
Read more