As we age, our health becomes an ever-increasing priority, and it’s crucial to be aware of the risks that even seemingly minor incidents can pose to our well-being. A recent analysis by Dr Ragnar Purje, a neuroscience expert and adjunct senior lecturer at CQUniversity, has brought to light a concerning issue that could affect any one of us: the lasting impact of mild head knocks on brain health.
In an article published in Psychology Today, Dr Purje delves into the far-reaching consequences of head injuries, highlighting that even low-level impacts can cause significant disruptions to neural function across the entire brain. This revelation is particularly alarming when we consider the activities of our grandchildren and young athletes, whose developing brains are more susceptible to trauma.
‘The principles of physics indicate that when an impact to the head occurs, energy reverberates throughout the brain, affecting neurones, synapses, and motor functions,’ Dr Purje explained. His research suggests that the effects of brain injuries are not as localised as once thought, challenging previous beliefs about the nature of head trauma.
This is a wake-up call for all of us, especially those involved in sports or activities where head knocks are a possibility. Repetitive head trauma, whether concussive or sub-concussive, has been shown to result in cognitive and behavioural changes over time. Dr Purje’s findings are particularly relevant to sports like boxing, where repeated head impacts are common and can lead to long-term neurological deficits.
‘Research strongly indicates that children should not engage in head-hitting boxing at all,’ Dr Purje stated. ‘Even sub-concussive impacts can have long-term neurological consequences.’ This advice is not only for the young but serves as a reminder to us all to protect our heads from injury, no matter our age.
The call to action is clear: there needs to be increased awareness among parents, coaches, educators, and healthcare professionals. Preventive measures and modifications in high-impact sports are essential to safeguard the long-term brain health of participants.
Professor Ken Purnell, Head of Neuroscience at CQUniversity, has praised Dr Purje’s work on brain trauma, emphasising its value to a broad audience. ‘This work on brain trauma, particularly the findings about low-level head impact having broader effects beyond the impact site, are excellent,’ he said.
Advanced brain imaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging, are now being used to detect the effects of traumatic brain injury more accurately. These new methods are crucial in understanding how brain trauma disrupts overall function and why different head impacts can lead to similar cognitive symptoms.
Dr Purje’s dedication to this field is personal as well as professional. He has worked with former world champion boxer Johnny Famechon, who suffered a severe brain injury after being hit by a car. His doctoral thesis, supervised by Professor Purnell, focused on acquired brain injury therapy through movement, and his work has been well documented.
As we continue to learn more about the long-term effects of head injuries, it’s clear that greater awareness and preventative measures are needed to safeguard brain health. The research shared in this article serves as a reminder for all of us to take steps to protect ourselves and those around us, particularly when it comes to activities involving potential head trauma.
What precautions do you take to minimise the risk of head injuries? How do you approach safety in sports or other activities? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
