4/3/2024 0 Comments Signs of brain trauma![]() ![]() Surprisingly, there were high survival rates for the procedure, up to 70% in Inca procedures and Papua New Guinea. The practice might have also been used as an initiation rite or ritual or to treat various disorders (headache, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, mental disorders). The origin of this practice and its widespread use is hypothesized to have begun in the pursuit of explaining the momentary loss of consciousness post-injury and the trial of “awakening” essential members of the tribe by “opening a gate” to facilitate the passage of spirits through the head. Some of the skulls found presented signs of healing, indicating the patient’s survival post-procedure. However, there are documented cases with up to eleven holes. Trephination has been described as the process of “ scraping, cutting, or drilling of an opening (or openings) into the neurocranium”, with most procedures including one or two holes. Interestingly, the practice is still used to treat chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). ![]() ![]() Researchers discovered signs of the ancient procedure of the trephination- the oldest documented surgical procedure performed by humans-on over 1500 skulls (5–10% of all found skulls) worldwide ( Figure 1). However, the first anthropological signs of TBI treatment are attributed to the Neolithic era. One of the first pieces of evidence of brain injuries in humans was found in Tanzania, where the injury appears to have been caused by a crocodile bite. Prehistory included three main periods: Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Metal Age, with the ancestors of humankind ( Homo Habilis, Australopithecus, Homo erectus) as well as Homo sapiens being traced back to the Paleolithic, when most of the head trauma was caused by animals or injuries. Before scripts have been documented, archeology has been the main source of information, revealing the first insight into the intricacies of neurotrauma. Mentions of TBI appear far back in the story of humanity, starting in myths and legends. The advancement in the treatment of neurotrauma over the years has been tremendous, yet there is so much we have yet to know about the mechanisms and factors associated with it. Moreover, brain injuries can cause mental health issues, including depression and behavioral dysfunction. Depending on the severity, neurotrauma may result in temporary effects on the neuronal tissue or long-term damage, often due to bruising, bleeding, or torn tissue. ![]() Some risk factors include age under 24 or over 60 and male gender. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury caused by a shock to the head or body and can result from falls, vehicle collisions, sports injuries, explosive blasts, combat injuries, gunshot wounds, or assault. While injuries to the brain can cause many problems, including troubles with attention, planning, and interaction, the primary result of spinal cord injury remains paralysis. The umbrella term neurotrauma includes Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). This editorial is part of an article series published by the Academy for Multidisciplinary Neurotraumatology (AMN), showcasing some of the most important advancements, striking figures, and fascinating stories in neurotrauma, starting with the prehistoric age. The study of neurotraumatology throughout the ages has shaped neuroscience, medicine, forensic sciences, anthropology, and public health, revealing precious insight into the cultures and civilizations of past and present. ![]()
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