Lessons from NATURE: methods for traumatic brain injury prevention.

Abstract

Multiple species obtain repetitive head collisions throughout the course of their lifetimes with minimal neurologic deficit. Nature has allowed the unique development of multiple protective mechanisms to help prevent neurotrauma. In this review, we examine the concept of rapid brain movement within the skull 'Slosh' and what nature teaches on how to prevent this from occurring. We look at individual animals and the protective mechanisms at play. Marching from macroscopic down to the molecular level, we pinpoint key elements of neuroprotection that are likely contributing. We also introduce new concepts for neuroprotection and address avenues of further discovery.