They’re a controversial weapon used by police across the globe. And now, new research has shown that Tasers could cause serious short term cognitive impairments. While they’re not lethal like their handgun counterparts, they do pack a punch, delivering 50,000 volts of electricity to the skin. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t a harm free assault, with both the body and the brain feeling the buzz. Show
New research has revealed that following a Taser shock, a person suffers from significant reductions in some aspects of cognitive function. While these effects are short-term, the fact that Tasers do induce temporary brain damage has alarmed some scientists. The right to think straightFor police, using a Taser runs the risk of suspects being unable to understand their rights while being arrested. Specialists warn that it could also trigger irrational or violent reactions, which could ultimately have an impact on their final sentence. The study was published in the Criminology & Public Policy journal, with the Drexel and Arizona State University drawing on the experiences of 142 participants. All underwent extensive psychological and physiological screenings, with the experiment conducted in a hospital to minimise the risk of any incidents. As part of the study, participants were assigned one of four conditions at random. These included nothing (the control group), striking a punching bag to simulate the adrenalin of an arrest, a five-second Taser shock, and hitting a punch bag, followed by the shock. Before, during and after the experiment scientists measured a variety of different cognitive function aspects, including memory, learning and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT). Short term shock to the brainThe results indicated that exposure to a Taser shock temporarily reduced the ability to recall information, as well as integrate new auditory facts. For example, prior to the experiment all groups scored above average in the HVLT test. After receiving a Taser shock, participants dropped down to the cognitive functionality of a 79-year-old adult. The results are particularly concerning, as the participants were all young, healthy, calm and substance free. With the majority of arrests not meeting these characteristics, the effects of a real-life Taser shock could be even more alarming. The human brain is incredibly complex, and extremely sensitive. For more insight into the world of neurology, ‘Stem Cell Promise - Research Brings Autograft Revolution Closer’ looks at how new research could revolutionise the treatment of many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Image via Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credits: U.S Pacific Command Related storiesAML launch at Diamond opens pathway to Active ExperimentationLab Expansion Supports Continued Research into Neurological DiseasesAcquisition Marks Key Step in Global Expansion StrategyPlans Revealed for Phase 2 of Oxford North’s New Innovation District Including 425,000 ft2 of LabsRequest information News & Views Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron, has celebrated the official launch of its dedicated Active Materials Laboratory (AML), which is se... AML launch at Diamond opens pathway to Active ExperimentationDec 09 2022 News & ViewsBiotech start-up Samsara Therapeutics, an early-stage drug discovery company, has expanded into a further 1,000 ft<sup>2</sup> of R&D lab space at The Oxford... Lab Expansion Supports Continued Research into Neurological DiseasesDec 08 2022 News & ViewsVantage Nutrition LLC acquires AquaCap from Nestlé Health Science Vantage Nutrition, an ACG Group company, announced on 5th December 2022 that it has... Acquisition Marks Key Step in Global Expansion StrategyDec 07 2022 News & ViewsOxford North Ventures, the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope, has... Plans Revealed for Phase 2 of Oxford North’s New Innovation District I...Dec 06 2022
Digital EditionLab Asia 29.6 DecDecember 2022 In This Edition Chromatography - Optimising Viral Vector Purification Strategies with Multimodal Chromatography - Key UHPLC Characteristics Required for High throughput LC-MS - New Low Volu... What happens to your body after being tased?Because electricity is being used, tasers can indeed cause serious injury or even death. The electrical currents may disrupt brain or heart function, leading to seizures, abnormal brain function and even a potentially fatal heart irregularity.
How long does it take to recover from being tasered?Your muscles may be sore for a day or two. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems.
How long does Taser shock last?A discharge, also known as a “cycle,” can last five seconds. The shock can cause pain that has been described as excruciating. As Dennis J. Kenney, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, put it, “Your muscles freeze up, and down you go.”
What happens to your brain when you get tased?Short term shock to the brain
The results indicated that exposure to a Taser shock temporarily reduced the ability to recall information, as well as integrate new auditory facts. For example, prior to the experiment all groups scored above average in the HVLT test.
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What happens to your body after you get tased?
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