Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions are recently receiving a great deal of media attention. Repeated traumatic brain injuries, single incidents of injury and concussions are arguably one of the most complex injuries to heal. Each individual responds very differently to the injuries and injuries to different sections of the brain can have a variety of consequences. All the current research is concluding that the healing process takes longer than what was previously thought and that the impact is far more wide reaching than was ever anticipated. For example: a study about women prison inmates found that it could be as high as 87% of those incarcerated had sustained a traumatic brain injury and the prevalence of having had a traumatic brain event is 10 times higher than the average population (Traumatic Brain Injury Among Prisons); A Seattle study found that almost half of homeless men had traumatic brain injuries (Seattle article); Teenagers who have had a concussion have higher rates of suicide attempts (American Academy of Pediatrics); All ages experience significant increased risk of depression (Depression and suicide).

Red Flags of a Concussion

Can't be Awakened

Repeated Vomiting

Slurred Speech

Can't Recognize People or Places

Some other possible symptoms of a concussion: worsening headache, seizures, person will be less alert, balance issues, dizziness, increasing confusion or irritability, loss of consciousness, weakness or numbness in arms and legs, unusual behavior changes, bothered by light and noise, slowed reaction time, sleep issues.

Post Concussion Syndrome

Post concussion syndrome (PCS) occurs days, weeks, months or even years following the actual traumatic brain injury(ies) occurrence.

These are often marked by:

Headaches

Dizziness

Sensitivity to Light and Noise

Depression or Anxiety

Memory Issues

Trouble Concentrating

Fatigue

Words that do not the train of thought

Appetite Changes

Sleep Issues

Sometimes: Irrational Anger/Irritability or Inappropriate Emotions (laughter when the person feels like crying), Ringing in ears, blurry vision, car sickness, changes in taste or smell, difficulty reading, difficulty concentrating, brain fog, persistent pressure in the head or neck pain, tired eyes, and low energy or motivation.

Immediate treatment upon release from a Medical Doctor

Treatment immediately following a concussion should be to rest, and rest some more and rest even more....Try to have the individual in a room with the least amount of stimulation possible (decrease light, sound, and allow for cooler temperatures). Reduce the inflammation present in the head by using ice or cold compresses. And as soon as possible visit a reputable chiropractor to be sure that the cervical vertebrae are in alignment.

Treatments for post concussion syndrome

Acupuncture--decreases the inflammation present, relieves pain, reduces the feeling of dizziness and nausea, can assist with restoring balance, and releases endorphins to combat against mood changes (Military deploys acupuncture to treat soldiers concussions). Acupuncturists in some states can also use homeopathic and B12 injections to help reduce the inflammation directly at a particular location to extremely good effect. (These are currently being studied in several locations here in Florida with extremely positive results thus far.)

Massage--especially cranial sacral or lymphatic drainage massage can be helpful at reducing the inflammation present and release the tight neck muscles.

Other helpful therapies include: Infra-red light therapy, cold laser treatments, cognitive behavior therapy, mood management therapies (like journaling, counseling with family members and friends, art therapy, and meditation), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryo-helmets, flotation tanks and Medications as prescribed by a western medicine doctor and/or with herbs prescribed by a doctor of Oriental Medicine.

Food and Supplements

One of the biggest and at times over looked therapies/treatments would be the use of foods and supplements. Some of the best foods to incorporate into the diet would include: bananas, greens (especially broccoli and kale), walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds, tumeric, ginger, eggs, chicken, tuna, raw cacao, blue berries, and aloe vera.

Supplements include:

Fish oil--2,200mg (EPA-1400mg DHA-480mg) 7 times daily (this may not be appropriate if you are on any type of heart medications please discuss with your western doctor prior to mega dosing)

CoQ10--1,000mg 2 times daily

Citicoline--1,000mg 3 times daily

Arnica Montana--4 tablets each serving, 3 servings daily

Cell Salts--4 tablets each serving, 3 servings daily

Ginkgo Biloba--120mg 3 times daily

Folic Acid--400mcg once daily

Final Thoughts

Most of all have patience with the individual trying to recover. It takes a great deal of time in certain circumstances and sometimes it takes multiple treatments to even see progress for certain stubborn cases. Be gentle during this time and make others aware of the circumstances and necessary support required to not feel as though you are healing alone.

Resources:

Site--Heal your concussion

Facebook groups--Traumatic Brain Injury Support Groups

Forums-- NeuroTalk, TBI SubReddit