After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can get damaged. This makes it easier for things to enter the brain that shouldn’t be there. Here’s what happens:
Immediate Reaction: Right after a TBI, the BBB can break down because of physical damage and inflammation. This is the body’s way of reacting to the injury, and it can cause the barrier to become “leaky.”
Ripple Effects: When the BBB is leaky, it allows different substances to enter the brain. This can include things that cause inflammation and even germs.
Cell Response: Two types of brain cells, called astrocytes and microglia, become active during this time. This can make the BBB problems worse.
Long-term Effects: If the BBB stays damaged for a long time, it can lead to swelling, damage to nerve cells, and even conditions that cause the brain to decline.
In short, keeping the BBB healthy is really important for a healthy brain. A TBI can really hurt this barrier, which can affect recovery and overall brain health.
After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can get damaged. This makes it easier for things to enter the brain that shouldn’t be there. Here’s what happens:
Immediate Reaction: Right after a TBI, the BBB can break down because of physical damage and inflammation. This is the body’s way of reacting to the injury, and it can cause the barrier to become “leaky.”
Ripple Effects: When the BBB is leaky, it allows different substances to enter the brain. This can include things that cause inflammation and even germs.
Cell Response: Two types of brain cells, called astrocytes and microglia, become active during this time. This can make the BBB problems worse.
Long-term Effects: If the BBB stays damaged for a long time, it can lead to swelling, damage to nerve cells, and even conditions that cause the brain to decline.
In short, keeping the BBB healthy is really important for a healthy brain. A TBI can really hurt this barrier, which can affect recovery and overall brain health.