How important are mitochondria when it comes to brain injuries?

ABC recently reported about TBI's among children.

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury, Joe Detwiler spent two months in an induced coma and another two months relearning everything he knew before the injury. Although it was a life changing experience, the young boy has made an excellent recovery and believes he owes it all to his doctor, Jose Pineda.

Dr. Pineda is a pioneer in research for children who have experienced TBI’s. He believes it is critical to treat the mitochondria when such an injury occurs. Mitochondria are commonly referred to as the ‘power house.’ These organisms provide the majority of energy for cells in the brain. Dr. Pineda explains that when a TBI occurs, the mitochondria fail to do their job.

He believes this issue can be solved by giving patients medication which travels directly to the mitochondria in the brain. A similar treatment administered to adults is achieving awesome results. In fact, it has cut mortality by more than 60 percent and improved function within 30 days of the injury.

Let’s hope these promising results have a similar effect on children!