This week, we wanted to discuss concussions. This has been a pretty hot topic in the media with the coverage of NFL players; not to mention the film Concussion, which tells the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian forensic pathologist who fought against efforts by the NFL to suppress his research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)  brain damage suffered by professional football players. If you haven't yet seen the film, it's fantastic! Check it out!
 

What is a concussion?

A concussion is caused by a blow to the head which allows the brain to rapidly move back and forth within the skull. This impact of the soft 'gelatin-like' brain tissue against the hard bone of the skull can cause damage and chemical changes within the brain. While concussions are often considered to be "mild" Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI's), concussions can cause serious and lasting effects if not treated properly.
 

What are symptoms of a Concussion?

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
• Dizziness or "seeing stars"
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Delayed response to questions
• Appearing dazed
• Fatigue

Some symptoms may be delayed by hours or days after the injury such as:

• Concentration and memory complaints
• Irritability and other personality changes
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep disturbances
• Psychological adjustment problems and depression
• Disorders of taste and smell

According to WebMD, you should call 911 immediately if the person:

• Has vomited more than once
• Has unequal pupils
• Is dizzy, confused or agitated
• Has weakness on one side of the body
• Passes out or is unconscious
• Is very drowsy or unable to wake up
• Has neck pain after a fall
• Has slurred speech
• Is off-balance or has trouble walking
• Has a seizure

Please note that these symptoms are observed in adults. If your child won't eat or can't stop crying after a fall or head injury, seek medical attention.
 

Is there standard treatment for a concussion?

The brain is incredibly complex, and TBI's will present in different ways. If you have had multiple concussions in your life, the symptoms will likely be more severe with each injury. During the first 24 hours after experiencing a concussion, the patient should apply ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling. Also, taking a natural anti-inflammatory, like ProTrauma or Tumero Active can be helpful during the early stages of healing.

Once the patient is no longer in an acute state (sensitive to light, or sound, or experiencing intense headaches), functional neurological treatment can begin. This is an incredibly important part of the healing process. What this means is that some of the connections from the mid brain to the frontal cortex of the brain may be weakened post-injury. Through functional neurological therapy, which is both non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical, rehabilitation of the parts of the brain affected by the concussion is possible. It is important to note that completely healing or recovering from a concussion takes time. It may take days, weeks, or even months for the condition to resolve. Any person who may have had a concussion needs to seek care from a functional neurologist. We are very happy to have Dr Michael Pierce, a leader in the functional neurology field, in our office.
 

What could functional neurological concussion treatment include?

Again, because every TBI is unique, as is the treatment. Treatment could include nutritional therapies in addition to cognitive or balance work both in the office and for the patient to complete as homework in between visits. If you know of someone who is in need of treatment from a TBI, contact the front desk to schedule a neurological exam with Dr Pierce. As a side note: This approach of functional neurological therapies in concussion rehabilitation is embraced by many former NFL players, many of which have experienced numerous concussions over their careers and are feeling the effects of that damage decades afterwards. 
 

Recipe of the Week:
 

Prosciutto-Wrapped Mini Frittata Muffins

Recipe Credit: nomnompaleo.com

• 4 tablespoons fat (coconut oil, ghee, etc.)
• ½ medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ pound of cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• ½ pound frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 8 large eggs
• ¼ cup coconut milk (the fatty stuff at the top of the can works best)
• 2 tablespoons of coconut flour 
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 5 ounces of Prosciutto di Parma
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• A regular 12 cup muffin tin