Blog

Concussions continue to be a focus in the media today. That’s because they not only have immediate effects on people, but also may have long term effects on the brain. Some common causes of concussions are falls, motor vehicle accidents, being struck in the head and sports injuries. If you suspect that you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, don’t ignore it. Immediately see a medical professional who has been trained in up to date concussion protocol and start recovering.

Here are some recommendations to follow immediately after receiving any kind of head trauma:

• Get an evaluation by a medical professional who has been trained in up to date concussion protocol
• If there are signs of a concussion, cease all physical and mental activity and reduce sensory inputs (bright lights, all screens and electronics). This rest also includes ceasing activities that require thinking and mental concentration, such as playing video games, watching TV, schoolwork, reading, texting or using a computer. Total brain rest. Do nothing.
• Decrease inflammation through supplementation
  • Curcumin (Turmeric) – Turmero Active, Bio-A Curcumin, Inflamma Life Force
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Brain-E™ DHA, OmegaCo3™, Bio-Omega3, Omega GOLD
  • Green tea or green tea extract – Green Tea Catechins
  • CoQ10 – CoQ10zyme, CoQ10 Active™, CoQ10 Liposome Tincture
  • Resveratrol – Resvero™ Active
  • Vitamin B12 – Methyl-B12 Liposome Spray
  • Vitamin D – Solray-D Liposome Spray
  • Cell Salts – BioCell Salts
• Increase your intake of antioxidants – lots of fruits and veggies
• Take the homeopathic arnica
• Supplement with DHA – Brain-E™ DHA
• Avoid sugar and processed foods. Both contribute to inflammation. Eat whole foods instead.
• Reduce stress
• Meditate
• Get more oxygen to your brain. Since you cannot exercise, try hyperbaric oxygen therapy (check out Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy of Western New York in Rochester, NY)

The list is long but the more that you do as soon as possible (within minutes or hours) will make a huge difference not only in recovery but also in preventing permanent damage to your brain in the future. If you or someone you know suspects some kind of head trauma and cannot do everything on the list above, then at least do these things:

1. Get evaluated by a medical professional trained in up to date concussion protocol.
2. Total brain rest – no screens or bright lights or stimulation for at least a week. No thinking.
3. Supplement with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
4. Supplement with curcumin
5. Eat whole foods, nothing processed or fried and limit sugar

Keep in mind that research has shown that people who have gotten a concussion are much more likely to receive another concussion. Make good decisions when deciding on whether or not to continue activities that may lead to another concussion such as sports (contact and non-contact), especially for children. Multiple concussions have shown to make life-altering changes to the brain as we age, including greater risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. More information is available from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) fact-sheet.