Trauma causing temporary unconsciousness: what happens physically?

  • Thread starter KingNothing
  • Start date
In summary, when a person gets hit in combat sports and temporarily loses consciousness, it is likely due to damage to the thalamus, a critical structure responsible for regulating states of consciousness. The thalamus is regulated by the reticular formation, which can also be injured in cases of trauma. This temporary loss of consciousness can lead to long-term damage, as seen in the case of dementia pugilistica. The ability to withstand these impacts without losing consciousness may vary from person to person, and is not always an indicator of the degree of trauma experienced.
  • #1
KingNothing
882
4
I am a fan of combat sports such as boxing and martial arts. In competition a person might get hit and temporary lose consciousness, often for a fraction of a second before they regain their senses. I would like to know what is happening on a physiological level when this occurs.

  1. What is actually happening that forces the person to go unconscious?
  2. Some people have "iron chins" and never have this happen, even when they get hit. Why could this be?
  3. How strong of an indicator is this loss of consciousness for long-term damage?
  4. Say Albert and Richard both get hit with an equal amount of force. Albert loses consciousness temporarily and Richard does not. Does this mean Albert experienced a greater degree of trauma than Richard?

Thank you for any help. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong forum, please move if necessary.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
To question #1:

Everything I've read implicates the thalamus as the critical structure whose function is being disrupted when people lose consciousness due to trauma, seizure, disease.

The thalamus also plays an important role in regulating states of sleep and wakefulness.[9] Thalamic nuclei have strong reciprocal connections with the cerebral cortex, forming thalamo-cortico-thalamic circuits that are believed to be involved with consciousness. The thalamus plays a major role in regulating arousal, the level of awareness, and activity. Damage to the thalamus can lead to permanent coma.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalamus

Although the shape of the whole brain is distorted by the kind of impact a hard punch represents, it is specifically distortion of the thalamus which probably causes temporary unconsciousness.

However, the thalamus itself is regulated by the reticular formation of the brainstem:
Sleep and consciousness - The reticular formation has projections to the thalamus and cerebral cortex that allow it to exert some control over which sensory signals reach the cerebrum and come to our conscious attention. It plays a central role in states of consciousness like alertness and sleep. Injury to the reticular formation can result in irreversible coma.

So, trauma to one, the other, or both at once, could cause temporary unconsciousness.

Apropos: I can't recommend any activity that involves blows to the head:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia_pugilistica
 

1. What causes an individual to become temporarily unconscious after experiencing trauma?

Temporary unconsciousness after trauma is typically caused by a disturbance in the brain's normal functioning due to a sudden impact or injury. This can interrupt the brain's ability to send and receive signals, resulting in a loss of consciousness.

2. What happens to the brain during temporary unconsciousness?

During temporary unconsciousness, the brain's normal processes are disrupted, leading to a loss of consciousness. This can be caused by a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain or a disruption in the brain's electrical activity.

3. How long does temporary unconsciousness typically last?

The duration of temporary unconsciousness can vary depending on the severity of the trauma and the individual's overall health. It can range from a few seconds to several minutes. If unconsciousness lasts longer than a few minutes, it is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

4. Are there any long-term effects of temporary unconsciousness from trauma?

In most cases, temporary unconsciousness does not result in any long-term effects. However, if the unconsciousness is caused by a severe head injury, there may be a risk of long-term complications such as memory loss, cognitive impairments, or neurological disorders.

5. What should I do if someone becomes temporarily unconscious after experiencing trauma?

If someone becomes temporarily unconscious after trauma, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Call for emergency services and do not try to move the person unless they are in danger. It is also important to monitor their breathing and pulse and provide first aid if necessary until help arrives.

Similar threads

I What is the secret behind Shi Yan Ming's extraordinary punching power?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
2K
What happens when you suffocate long enough to pass out?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
89K
What *precisely* makes cause and effect asymmetric?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
1K
The Life and Career of Chestermiller
    • General Discussion
Replies
26
Views
3K
Death, Nothingness and Subjectivity
    • General Discussion
Replies
3
Views
3K
Things I Learned from Movies
    • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
8K
Mental Illness, what is it?
    • General Discussion
2
Replies
40
Views
12K
ECONOMICS: It's stupid to be afraid (Lee Kuan Yew to Der Spiegel)
    • General Discussion
Replies
6
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top