Electronic Health Reporter

The most complicated proof of human intelligence can be found between our ears. And because it’s a highly complex topic, there are a lot of myths and misinformation surrounding the brain that people simply dismiss as “facts.”

It may sound alarming at first, but this is somewhat understandable. After all, neurology or the study of the human brain is considered one of the least explored areas of science. In fact, even neurology doctors in St. George and other places might agree that the knowledge we now have about the brain and how it functions is only a fraction of the wonders this organ truly possesses.

However, there has been a tremendous improvement regarding the study of the human brain that most of the things we have learned about the brain were only discovered in the past 15 years. So, it’s safe to say that the real brain facts haven’t always been mainstream knowledge after all. For improved awareness, here are some of those facts:

The brain can’t feel pain

You’ve probably seen it in movies and TV shows, so have you ever wondered how surgeons are capable of performing brain surgeries on patients even when they’re fully awake? Experts explain that while the brain is known to contain multiple layers of coverings, as well as blood vessels with pain receptors, the brain on its own contains none. So, when a person experiences a headache, it’s a common misconception that the pain is caused by the brain. That is entirely false. The muscles and the skin that surrounds the brain is capable of feeling pain, though.

The brain can’t multitask

Our hectic everyday schedule, with the help of technology, has allowed many of us to become expert multitaskers. But the truth is, the brain is not capable of acquiring new knowledge or focusing on two things simultaneously. What it does is switch back and forth between multiple tasks at a fast speed. Doing this, however, affects your attention span, short-term memory, learning ability, and overall brain performance.

The use of technology causes us to lose skills

It has been discovered that relying on GPS ruins your innate sense of direction. This is unfortunate, considering how our ancestors spent thousands of years honing and developing this particular skill. Once the areas of the brain that are responsible for navigation are no longer active, those neural connections gradually lose their functionalities through the process called synaptic pruning.

There are moments when the brain can’t form memories

As people age, our ability to remember new things slowly degrades. According to research conducted in the U.S., this is because the brain is incapable of filtering and getting rid of old memories, which is the reason it can’t absorb new information. Here’s another example that’s definitely familiar to many: If you’ve been drinking alcohol and have no recollection of what you did the previous night, it’s not because you’ve forgotten about them. It’s because when a person is intoxicated, the brain is unable to form memories.

These are just some of the brain facts everyone should be aware of. It’s time to forget about the myths and start believing the truth about our wonderful brains.