Confused About Concussions? Understanding the Impact and Recovery

Have you noticed any changes in personality or increased irritability in your loved ones? It’s possible they may be suffering from a concussion that they’re unaware of. Many people may not notice all of the signs of a concussion, so our Chiropractor at Revivelife™, Ian Anderson, has highlighted some of the most common symptoms, as well as what he can do to help! The role of a chiropractor in the event of an athletic concussion is to assess, evaluate, and manage the people who have sustained the injury. Conventional Chiropractic Care may effectively treat whiplash and mechanical headaches, which are often part of the symptoms that occur at the time of a concussion. In addition to these treatments, understanding the nuances of concussion symptoms can empower individuals and families to seek timely intervention and promote proper recovery.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN ATHLETIC CONCUSSION

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can result from a blow to the head, a fall, or any other impact that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. Understanding the dynamics of how concussions occur can be essential for prevention and treatment. Sports players, for instance, are at a higher risk, which is why education on the signs and management of concussions is crucial for coaches, athletes, and parents alike.

Recognizing the signs of a concussion is key to ensuring individuals receive appropriate care. Immediate action can significantly affect recovery time and long-term outcomes. If you suspect a concussion, it’s important to remove the person from play or activity and seek medical attention. Recovery can include both physical and cognitive rest, emphasizing the importance of monitoring symptoms over time.

Confusion can manifest in various ways, including difficulty following conversations or understanding information. It’s vital to support individuals showing signs of confusion by providing a calm environment and allowing them time to process their thoughts.

Headaches following a concussion may vary in intensity; some individuals may experience a mild ache, while others suffer from debilitating migraines. Understanding the types of headaches can help tailor treatment strategies, including the use of over-the-counter pain relief or chiropractic adjustments.

Fatigue is another symptom that should not be overlooked. It may be accompanied by a lack of motivation or energy, making it hard for individuals to engage in daily activities. Encouraging rest and gradual reintroduction of activities is essential for recovery.

Impaired balance can lead to falls and further injuries. Activities that require balance should be approached with caution, and physical therapy may be recommended to help restore stability.

Immediately after a head injury, symptoms can include:

· Confusion

· Headache

Enhanced sensitivity to light and sound can make recovery challenging. Creating a soothing environment with dim lighting and reduced noise levels can help alleviate discomfort during recovery.

· Fatigue

Within 24 hours, these symptoms are common, but all diminish significantly within 48 hours:

· Slow mental response

Other recommendations include:

· Light aerobic activities like walking can help stimulate blood flow and promote healing. Start with short walks and gradually increase duration and intensity as tolerated.

· Consume protein – “A recent study showed that having certain Branch Chain Amino Acids, the building blocks of proteins, following a concussion can improve cognitive deficits created by the injury.” This can include sources like lean meats, dairy, and legumes.

· Curcumin – 480 mg, 3X/day (to reduce inflammation). Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory properties and can support brain health.

· Alpha-lipoic acid – 600mg, 1-3/day (to improve mitochondrial function). This antioxidant can help combat oxidative stress in the brain.

· Coenzyme Q10 – 100mg per day (to improve mitochondrial function). This nutrient plays a critical role in energy production in cells.

To see if these recommendations are right for you, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Revivelife at 613-829-7100 or email info@revivelife.ca. The health and safety of our clients are our top priority, and we are here to assist you on your path to recovery.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also offers excellent online resources regarding concussions. You can visit their website at www.cdc.gov/concussion for information on prevention, understanding symptoms, and managing recovery effectively.

· Impaired balance

1) Headway Foundation. Recovery Tips. 2016. This resource provides practical advice for those recovering from a concussion.

2) Elkind, Jaclynn A., et al. “Efficacy, Dosage, and Duration of Action of Branched Chain Amino Acid Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury.” Frontiers in Neurology Front. Neurol. 6 (2015): n. pag. Web. This study explores the effects of BCAA therapy on brain injury recovery.

48 hours to 16 days after the trauma, these symptoms appear:

· Enhanced sensitivity to light and sound

· Sleep disturbance for seven days

Recommendations for Recovery and Long-term Health

Most people recover spontaneously from concussions within one week but still require cognitive and physical rest. It’s essential to avoid activities that can trigger symptoms, such as prolonged screen time or engaging in intense exercise. Listening to one’s body is crucial; if symptoms worsen, it’s important to seek further medical advice.

Other recommendations include:

· Light aerobic activities like walking.

· Curcumin – 480 mg, 3X/day (to reduce inflammation)

· Alpha-lipoic acid – 600mg, 1-3 /day (to improve mitochondrial function)

· Coenzyme Q10- 100mg per day (to improve mitochondrial function)

To see if these recommendations are right for you, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Revivelife at 613-829-7100 or email info@revivelife.ca

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also offers excellent online courses regarding concussions, you can visit their website at www.cdc.gov/concussion

References to consider for further reading:

(1) Headway Foundation. Recovery Tips. 2016

(2) Elkind, Jaclynn A., Miranda M. Lim, Brian N. Johnson, Chris P. Palmer, Brendan J. Putnam, Matthew P. Kirschen, and Akiva S. Cohen. “Efficacy, Dosage, and Duration of Action of Branched Chain Amino Acid Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury.” Frontiers in Neurology Front. Neurol. 6 (2015): n. pag. Web.