Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Kids and Brain Injury: TED Talk of Dr. Kim Gorgens




  • I tend to be a worrier and after having a child I had more things to worry about
  • I study brain injury in children
  • Leading emergency room causes for head injury in children: cycling, football, skateboard/skating
  • A 58 g force can occur in boxing,  a 103 g force can occur football
  • Average concussion 95 g force
  • Concussion: change in consciousness--being unconscious not required
  • Risk for second concussion greater than first
  • NFL study confirms 3 or more concussions increases risk for dementia
  • How do we guarantee the safety of our kids? Shows a picture of child surrounded by bubble wrap
  • I am trying to decide on allowing my child to play football--I haven't made a decision but we can all do three things

Study Up:learn all you can
Heads Up CDC--A education and prevention focused site that includes:
Concussion in Sports--resources for athletes and coaches
Information on Brain Injury for Physicians--includes link to Acute Concussion Evaluation form (ACE), a guideline for assessment of the athlete
Facebook Page for CDC Heads UP: Provides ongoing education and discussion forum on brain injury awareness
cokidswithbraininjury.com A resource for parents of children with brain injury--particularly in Colorado

Speak Up: talk to coaching staff and state legislature regarding traumatic brain injury

Suit UP: wear a helmet--bike helmets reduce brain impact by 50%

The comment section following this TED presentation notes this presentation was short on research documentation supporting Dr. Gorgens main points.  I agree, and I was unable to find any research published by her in a Pub Med search.  Nevertheless, this presentation highlights an important public health issue and provides some information resources for parents and clinicians. 

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