New research project dedicated to traumatic brain injury cases

As the issue continues to gain national attention, more people throughout New York and around the country are beginning to understand how brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on victims. Concerns over traumatic brain injury incidents are being raised by members of the NFL, since professional football players often sustain multiple concussions throughout their careers. However, millions of other people across the nation and globe are also impacted by head injuries and can benefit from studies on the topic. That’s why new research backed by one of the country’s wealthiest entrepreneurs is so promising.

During the next two years, the molecular, cellular, and structural components of human brains will be analyzed for the effects of traumatic brain injury by researchers with the University of Washington and the Paul G. Allen Institute for Brain Science. The steady will cost over $2 million and involves the collaboration of the team neurosurgeon with the University of Washington Seahawks.

Paul Allen, the cofounder of Microsoft and owner of the Seahawks, already owns his own brain research lab and has the interest and resources to investigate brain injuries and their long-term effects on victims. The NFL is also interested in the progress of the study and may invest in such research.

A key component in the brain injury study is having access to over 500 brains collected by Group Health. Approximately 20 percent of the brains donated endured some kind of trauma and are expected to help researchers understand the long-term effects of brain injuries.

While the NFL and other groups may be specifically interested in how concussions impact players, the findings of this study will be accessible to other researchers at the international level. The ultimate goal is that such research will help treat brain injury accident victims in all kinds.

Source: Seattle Times, “Hawks owner Paul Allen funds research into brain injuries,” Sandi Doughton, Nov. 20, 2013