Head trauma can develop as a result of any blow to the head, accident, or fall. Stating that the most common cause is traffic accidents, Endocrinologist Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur gave important information on the problems that can be caused by head traumas.

Head traumas can lead to loss of life as well as permanent damage to brain tissue as a result of serious injuries. Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Coordinator and Endocrinology Specialist Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur warned that people who are especially interested in sports that are open to head blows should be much more careful.

Helmets Must Be Used When Doing Martial Arts

According to some neurological parameters, head traumas are evaluated in three stages mild, moderate, and severe head traumas. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur reminded us that trauma-related brain hemorrhage is also common, especially in those who do combat sports. Prof. Dr. continued his words as follows: “Turkey is a lucky country in this respect. Because it is mandatory for those who do martial arts to wear a helmet. In the US and some European countries, helmets are not used when doing these sports. Therefore, the risk of trauma-related damage is higher.”

Pay Attention To The Pituitary Gland!

Stating that the most sensitive areas in terms of trauma are the cells in the lower parts of the pituitary gland, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur: ''The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland located in the bone structure called Sella Turcica at the base of the brain. It is a vital organ that regulates the secretion of various hormones in our body, especially growth hormones. In terms of traumas that can be experienced, the most sensitive area is the area where these cells are located.”

It May Lead to Learning Disorders

The blows to the head affect many hormones controlled by the pituitary gland, especially growth hormone. Stating that the severity of the impact and the duration of exposure was also effective in the emergence of hormone deficiency, Prof. Dr. Keleştemur: “Growth hormone deficiency can cause an increase in fat mass in adults, a decrease in muscle mass, and a change in body composition. In children, the most important effect of growth hormone deficiency is short stature. In addition, learning disorders, impaired judgment, and thought disorders may occur. However, it should not be forgotten that permanent damage and hormonal disorders can be reduced with serious measures to be taken while doing these sports. We know that those who do not wear helmets are 10 to 30 percent more likely to be hormone deficient than those who do.”

If The Hormone Is Deficient, It Must be Treated!

In addition to growth hormone deficiency, if thyroid hormone deficiency and cortisol deficiency secreted from the adrenal gland are detected, head trauma should be investigated. Yeditepe University Hospitals Endocrinology Specialist Prof. Dr. Keleştemur emphasized that hormone deficiency must be replaced and added the following: “Especially cortisol hormone deficiency can cause much more serious consequences. There may be a decrease in blood pressure and a decrease in sugar. If the cortisol hormone is deficient, it must be compensated. It is also very important to detect growth hormone deficiency. Because after the treatment, the person's quality of life improves visibly. ”