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A Novel In Vitro Model of Blast Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: December 21, 2018
Controlled blast exposure during forced explosive entry training and mild traumatic brain injury
Andrew J Baker1, Jane Topolovec-Vranic, Alicja Michalak
1Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
The Journal of Trauma
|November 11, 2011
Summary
This study found that controlled blast exposure research in humans is not feasible. However, forced explosive entry training offers a real-time setting to study blast injury effects on the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma Research
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Limited data exists on the pathophysiology and neurological outcomes of primary blast injury in humans.
- Investigating blast injury effects is crucial for understanding potential long-term consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a research protocol for studying blast injury in a training environment.
- To examine the neurological effects of controlled blast exposures during forced explosive entry training.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 14 participants (4 instructors, 10 students) from a Police Explosives Technicians-Forced Entry Instructors course.
- Conducted baseline and post-exercise assessments including physical exams, postural stability, vestibular ataxia, and neurocognitive tests.
Main Results:
- Instructors reported more career blast exposures than students; many participants had a history of head trauma.
- No significant changes in cranial nerve, vestibular ataxia, or neurocognitive test results were observed post-exposure.
- Pre-existing postural stability deficits were prevalent and did not change significantly after the exercises.
Conclusions:
- Controlled experimental studies on blast exposure effects in humans are challenging.
- Forced explosive entry training provides a viable setting for real-time blast exposure research.
- Highlights the need for baseline testing, consideration of subclinical effects, and further research on repeated blast exposures.
