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What Do You Do After a Concussion?

Woman with concussionOur goal is always to focus on any health challenge in an “Inside Out” way that works with your body’s ability to heal from above, down, inside out. The majority of patients with mild traumatic brain injuries recover within seven to 10 days. If concussion signs and symptoms continue beyond seven days, the diagnosis changes from acute concussion to post-concussion syndrome. Chiropractic care focused on restoring optimal nerve function and alignment can help dramatically in healing from brain injuries in many ways including increasing blood flow to the brain. Studies are clear that brain function improves after chiropractic adjustments!

Back when Sydney Crosby had his extended leave from the NHL due to concussions he was plateaued and not getting better, then he started seeing a chiropractor specializing in nerve function and he credits that with his full recovery! Applying these 3 strategies daily along with chiropractic care can help your brain heal faster to reduce symptoms and restore function by helping your brain recover cognitively, nutritionally and physically.

1. Brain Games

Brain games are tools that stimulate cognitive function and can be used to challenge the brain’s five main areas of language, memory, attention, visual / spatial awareness and reasoning / problem-solving functions. Several computer programs available online utilize brain games to stimulate brain function. Having a program evaluate and track user progress can help both the clinician and the patient discover weak areas and provide training specific to those deficits. Some of the current programs available can be found online: www.Happy-neuron.com, www.Lumosity.com, www.AARP.org

2. Nutrition Needs

Nutritional protocols for improving brain function include consuming water, coconut oil and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods that have a negative effect on brain health and should be avoided include sugar, grains, artificial sweeteners and unfermented soy. Dehydration ranges from mild to severe and can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, permanent brain damage and death. Many patients drink fluids like coffee and pop, but do not drink enough water each day. This constant lack of water intake can accumulate over years and lead to altered brain activity. A concussed brain needs water; moreover, stimulants like caffeine should be avoided.
Coconut oil can prevent brain atrophy and even restore nerve function after the brain has been damaged. The oil is easily converted to ketone bodies, which provide the brain with fuel. Lack of fuel to feed the brain can lead to mental dysfunction, loss of consciousness. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body and the brain. It has been useful in treating patients with dementia and cognitive decline. The Canadian government recognizes that omega-3 (DHA) supports normal development of the brain and nervous system. Taking 1 tablespoon of Innate Choice Omega Sufficiency and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily is key.

3. Exercise Options

Cardiovascular exercise may aggravate concussion symptoms and should be introduced slowly with concussed patients. However, for patients who are not recovering normally, cardio exercise may improve brain function by stimulating blood flow and increasing the oxygen / carbon dioxide exchange. Fifteen minutes of non-aggravating cardio exercise twice weekly can be introduced to help patients progress. Resistance exercise helps regenerate tissue (neogenesis), and fights dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Protocols for returning to work, sports or school:

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