NMU’s Concussion Research Clinic Director Marguerite Moore gives a presentation on concussions, brain injuries, and migraines at Northern Michigan University on April 20. The presentation was hosted by the Northern Center for Lifelong Learning. (Journal photo by Taylor Johnson)

MARQUETTE — Migraines and concussions are painful experiences. If you’ve had either of them, you know how terrible they can be.

Both were topics of discussion during a presentation held on April 20 at Northern Michigan University.

The presentation, hosted by the Northern Center for Lifelong Learning, was put together by Marguerite Moore, NMU’s Concussion Research Clinic director.

There are many different types of migraines, but the common triggers for them according to Moore are skipping meals, under or over sleeping, stress and anxiety. They can cause symptoms such as auras, visual disturbances, sensory disturbances, speech difficulties, pulsing or throbbing head pain, and/or nausea.

Unfortunately, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that there is no absolute cure for migraines, since the underlying pathophysiology has yet to be fully understood. However, over-the-counter pain medicines, such as Ibuprofen, can help to lessen the pain of a migraine.

A concussion, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Some people don’t even realize right away that they’ve experienced a concussion.

“If you get in a car accident, what happens to your adrenaline? It’s going crazy. We’re able to do so many things that we can’t do without adrenaline. So often times you don’t even realize you’re hurt right away,” Moore said.

Some immediate concussion symptoms include vacant staring, fogginess, confusion, memory disturbance, loss of consciousness, dizziness, blurred vision, and/or nausea.

“Don’t push through, just sit down and rest,” Moore said. “If you are worried there is a concussion the best thing you can do is chill and rest, and not put an energy demand on your body and on your brain because that’s going to delay your healing process.”

A concussion may result in persistant concussion symptoms. Moore had experienced these after suffering a concussion. She couldn’t drop her child off at school because she couldn’t handle the crowds and all the commotion. She couldn’t walk through a grocery store, as the lights were too bright. After she couldn’t remember her six-digit passcode to unlock her phone, she knew it was time to seek help.

Factors that put people at more of a risk for having long term symptoms from a concussion include those who have ADHD, those who suffer from frequent migraines and those who abuse alcohol. Gender is also a factor, as females sustain more concussions than males. For those who have had previous concussions, it is easier to them to get another concussion, compared to those who have never had one. The recovery time after a concussion is about 28 days.

“Even if your symptoms are better in seven (days), you’re still not biochemically back to normal for about 28 (days),” Moore said.

Moore noted that most concussions are not sports related, like many assume. The most common forms of concussions in sports are from equestrian settings, contact sports, roller sports, and skiing.

So why don’t more sports require players to wear helmets? Moore reported that while helmets are helpful, they’re designed to prevent skull fractures, not concussions.

When Moore was doing a research study pertaining to skull density, she said she was surprised to learn that those with thin skulls are less likely to have a concussion, compared to those with thick skulls. Currently, she is doing a study on dual tasking, as it is one of the things people struggle with post concussion. Dual tasking is doing two things at once, such as driving and listening to the radio, or walking and talking.

Some people suffer from dementia pugilistica — or being “punch drunk” — as a result of repeated concussions. It is a form of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE, and clinically similar to Alzheimer’s disease. The condition is commonly found in boxers and wrestlers. While not everyone who has had repeated concussions suffers from dementia pugilistica, some people are more prone to it, but scientists are not sure why.

“Concussion,” a 2015 movie starring Will Smith, is based on forensic pathologist and neuropathologist Bennet Omalu’s battle to raise awareness about CTE. A diagnosis of CTE can usually only be made after death, and there is no cure for it. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, several organizations are investing in research initiatives to learn more about CTE.

The Northern Center for Lifelong Learning, which hosted the presentation, is a group whose members plan, coordinate, and provide various informal educational programs and events throughout the year. Membership and programs are open to any adult who enjoys learning and new experiences. Gift certificates are also available for those wishing to purchase a membership for friends or loved ones.

The NCLL does a wide variety of activities including: tours, field trips, hands-on workshops, social events, presentations, and demonstrations. NCLL programs and general information can be found on their website at: www.nmu.edu/ncll.

Taylor Johnson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is tjohnson@miningjournal.net.