In lesson two we discussed the functions of the hindbrain and midbrain. We learned how different parts of the brain are responsible for our basic functions. Today I would like to discuss some of the short and long term affects of a concussion in a temporal lobe and how different parts of the body may react to the trauma.
A few years ago my brother was involved in a bicycle accident. His immediate symptoms were a lack of memory of what had happened. Accompanied by a lump on the back of the head. Since the hippocampus (located in the temporal lobe) stores recent events in short term memory, I can conclude that the concussion must have affected that area.
As time went on my brother started to feel depressed and showed symptoms of anxiety. Some may argue that since these symptoms were not immediate that they are unrelated. However, after reading research of what parts of the brain are implicated in depression I found that the hippocampus is directly responsible for memory as well as emotion. So the fact that he had a lack of short term memory and later experienced depression are in fact linked together through the hippocampus.
In present day, my brother’s depression and anxiety are treated through medication which reduces the structural shrinkage processes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In past studies it was thought that damage to the hippocampus could not be repaired. But in 2017 an article published by Science Daily titled “New Functions of Hippocampus Unveiled” has claimed evidence showing proper medication and exercise can significantly improve memory skills and stop further shrinking of the hippocampus.
So in closing, we can determine there is a lot to consider about how a concussion can affect our daily lives. We have learned that there are treatments available for people struggling with it’s complications although most damage to the brain is still considered to be unrepairable. however, the future is looking positive for victims as scientists discover more about the brain and how to treat the many symptoms of concussions.
Goldstein, E. B. (2011). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience (4th ed.). Wadsworth, Inc.
Science Daily (2017). New Functions of Hippocampus unveiled.
The Guardian, Melissa Davey (2015). Chronic depression shrinks brains memory and emotions
I’m sorry to hear about your brother, and I sincerely hope that he will get better sooner. The brain damage caused by concussion may be minimal or obvious. This is for psychologists who have not developed biotechnology before diagnosing patients. Emotional disorders will become very passive. Although a large part of brain damage cannot be cured, according to the latest research on the hippocampus, it has been found that many medical treatments in this area are very promising in the future, so I believe Your brother will get better treatment in the near future.
Reference：
Anand, K. S., & Dhikav, V. (2012, October). Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3548359/.
Blog Comment, Post, Reply:
Concussion Hello, I am so sorry that happened to your brother. I do agree with you that a concussion can affect the brain in the long run. A concussion is a brain injury that changes how your brain works the brain and it has short term and long-term effects. (Concessions How they affect you now and in the future. ) It destroys cells in the brain and causes physical and mental damage. (Concessions How they affect you now and in the future. ) It may happen when someone falls or someone who plays sports. (Concessions on how they affect you now and in the future.) Your brother riding a bike is a form of physical activity.
Some of the short-term effects of a concussion are headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound. (Short-term effects of concussion.) The long-term effects of a concussion are poor memory, depression, or other psychological problems, gets mad more easily, and trouble sleeping. (The long-term effects of a concussion.) You mentioned that your brother was suffering from depression due to a concussion it is a long-term sign of a concussion. It is rare, but it is possible 20% of people get long-term symptoms from it. (The long-term effects of a concussion.) That is good that your brother is taking medication for his depression and that it can help his memory improve. I am sorry that happened to your brother and I hope over time he will feel better and his memory improves.
Cite Sources: Concussions: How they affect you now and in the future.later. University of Utah Health. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2016/11/concussion.php.