Scientists uncover a new role for blood-brain barrier in neuron function and damage
April 27, 2023
While the role of the blood-brain barrier has long been appreciated for its ability to maintain precise control over what molecules can enter the nervous system, very little is known about how the cells that form the barrier influence the function of the nervous system. “What we know currently about the blood-brain barrier is mostly that we don’t know much beyond the basics,” says Buck Institute professor Pejmun Haghighi, PhD, who has uncovered a new role for these cells.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It is the physiological disruption of brain function caused by trauma that is manifested by at least one of the following: Any period of loss of consciousness; Any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the accident; Any alteration in mental state at the time of accident (e.g. feeling dazed, disoriented, or confused) Focal neurological deficit(s) that may or may not be transient. A person does not have to hit his or her head or be hit by an object. The movement of the brain inside the skull, such as in a whiplash injury, may be sufficient to cause damage.
Some people who suffer a concussion become easily tired and fatigued. This can happen for a variety of reasons. The brain powers itself off of the body's glucose. When the brain has been injured it may need more energy to repair itself or to process confusing sensory information it receives from the eyes and other parts of the body. Another factor can be problems with sleep whether caused by pain or by central sleep apnea. In yet other cases, some brain damage occurred in the brain stem area, which includes the areas responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system. When doctors become aware of a patient with complaints of fatigue, they can order special tests such as Autonomic Nervous System testing and the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill test to diagnose the condition. Correct diagnoses help doctors know the best therapy to help patients get better.
About 78% of persons who suffer brain injury or concussion develop problems with dizziness and balance. ENT doctors with a sub-specialty in neuro-otology are ideally suited to treat these conditions because of their additional training in treating vestibular (balance) conditions. Neuro-otologists work closely with specially training physical therapists to provide therapy designed to improve balance. After treatment, most patients with brain injury find that their balance has significantly improved
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