Why mirror neurons are important for concussion recovery
and how much family and friends can help
In this addition of the Neuronknit Series, I want to share what mirror neurons are and how they help concussion recovery. Support from family, friends and those whom are around someone that has suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury may not express empathy or concern if visible injuries has gone away or were never there.
Goal
The goal here is to create awareness and shed light on taking power over your recovery process as much as you can. For families and friends who are a much needed support to those with post concussion syndrome and other TBI recovery journeys.
What are Mirror Neurons?
Mirror neurons represent a distinctive class of neurons that discharge both when an individual executes a motor act and when he observes another individual performing the same or a similar motor act. Mirror neurons are thought to support observational learning and promote imitation (Cross et al., 2009).
For example: For mirror neurons appear to let us “simulate” not just other people's actions, but the intentions and emotions behind those actions. When you see someone smile, for example, your mirror neurons for smiling fire up, too, creating a sensation in your own mind of the feeling associated with smiling.
the discovery of mirror neurons was exciting because it has led to a new way of thinking about how we generate our own actions and how we monitor and interpret the actions of others. This discovery prompted the notion that, from a functional viewpoint, action execution and observation are closely-related processes, and indeed that our ability to interpret the actions of others requires the involvement of our own motor system according to National Library of Medicine.
Where are mirror neurons in the brain?
in the premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area, the primary somatosensory cortex, and the inferior parietal cortex
How does mirror neurons impact concussions?
The primary elements of the pathophysiologic cascade following concussive brain injury include abrupt neuronal depolarization. Things tend to break at their weakest point, and the axon is very often the weak point for the neuron. After a concussion, damage to axons is much more common than damage to other parts of the cell. A damaged axon has more trouble sending its signals, interfering with the brain's ability to do its job.
So to use your mirror neurons is a wonderful supportive way to strengthen other neurons with gentle precision, because mirror neurons are based on the type of sensory input eliciting a response, namely;
visual
auditory
listens to the sound associated with an action)
audiovisual, observes an action and listens
How can Family and friends help with recovery and avoid toxic positivity?
What is toxic positivity?
Toxic positivity is the pressure to only display positive emotions, suppressing any negative emotions, feelings, reactions, or experiences. It invalidates human experience and can lead to trauma, isolation, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
How to create a comfort zone of support and use your mirror neurons to help a love one.
If someone you love breaks their wrist, it’s easy to know what’s next. A doctor will tell you how long the injury needs to heal, what to do, and what not to do. Helping out with tasks. While it may not be a fun experience for anyone involved there’s always an end in sight. No one struggles to understand why they’re in pain from a broken wrist.
Brain injuries are different. You can’t see the injury. You have so many questions: How long will recovery take? Will they ever be the same as they were before the injury? Which symptoms are from the brain injury and which are side effects? Meanwhile, a loved one may have a hard time putting their feelings and pain into words. Their experience is so much more than just saying “It hurts.”
Make Home a Friendlier Place
Help Them Expand Their Comfort Zone
Assume Ownership of Tasks They Can’t Handle for Now
Support Them During Treatment
Avoid These Two Unhelpful Behaviors
Doing Everything for Them
Taking Their Behavior Personally
Not listening
Not showing empathy
What to Do About Caregiver Burnout
Take breaks (this is absolutely critical).
Get enough sleep.
Find friends and family members who can help out every now and then.
Find someone to talk/vent to (friend, therapist, and/or support group).
What can you do to engage your mirror Neurons?
Most things we view is an opportunity to engage our mirror neurons, meaning if you watch a person dancing, you will have enjoyment and release "happy feelings". This is great right!
Well, if you watch it again and then mimic the dance that you are viewing, you now have engaged other learning neurons. You now have learned (strengthen) a new neurological pattern in your brain that you have the power and control to bring on that "happy feeling" as much as you want.
For example; I'm including this knitting pattern for those who want to knit this hat. I will include a video to view how to do the knit stitch for you to practice. Once you watch someone "do" the stitch, you will be able to "do" the stitch too. The pattern is a repeated stitch, so you can master not only the ability to knit this pattern but also strengthen neurons to "do" other things you may enjoy.
Happy knitting!
Mirron Hat Pattern
about this pattern
This is a sleek fishermen rib stitch hat that is reversible to enjoy two colors for your wardrobe. It’s perfect for cool mornings and winter travels.
It’s knit with a rustic wool to protect from your head from harsh weather. Express yourself by choosing fun colors that represent you!
Materials and abbreviations
7US circular knitting needles
7US DPNs
1 Lion Brand fisherman wool
1 Cascade worsted yarn navy blue
7 stitch markers
BO: bind off
K: knit
K1b: knit 1 below
K2tog: knit 2 together
PM: place marker
P: Purl
P1b: purl 1 below
R(S): rows
SLP1b: slip 1 below
ST(S): stitch(es)
YO: yarn over
Instructions
cast on
With color #1, C/O (I used longtail cast on)
SM - 72, MED - 84, LG - 96, XL -120
Join in the round, place marker for BOR
set up round
With #2 color, k1, p1 to EOR
Body of Hat
Row 1 (#1C): *K1b, P1. Rep from * until end of row. Row 2 (#2C): *K1, P1b. Rep from * until end of row.
Continue Rows 1 & 2 until hat measures 6 inches from the brim, ending in Row 2.
***On final row before decreases
Place markers as listed by size.
SM every 12 sts, MED every 14 sts, LG every 16 sts, XL every 20 sts
Decreases
***You can change to DPNs when you feel comfortable.
Row 1: (#1C) K1b, P1 to 4 sts before marker, slp1b, k2tog, pass slip st over, p, slip marker.
rep to EOR.
Row 2: *K1, P1b. Rep from * to EOR [not a dec row]
Row 3: *K1b, P1. Rep from * to EOR [not a dec row]
Row 4: *K1, P1b. Rep from * to EOR [not a dec row]
***Repeat Row 1 - 4 until 8 sts left
Next Row: k2tog to EOR (4 sts left)
Final row: k2tog and
bind off
Detail
weave in yarn tail.
You may choose to “block” this hat by placing in cool water for 10 minutes, squeeze out extra water with a towel and lay flat to dry.
ALL DONE!
Activate your mirror neuron
watch this video of hat decreases and fisherman rib stitch.
EMAIL: cashmereandbeach@gmail.com
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This is awesome. Thank you so much. Very important information!