Dr. Corinne: The Low Down on Head Concussions

Dr. Corinne Weaver : Jun 28, 2019
DrCorinneWeaver.com

"It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the USA per year during competitive sports and recreational activities; however, as many as 50% of the concussions may go unreported."1

A concussion is considered a mild form of a traumatic brain injury. This happens when there is trauma (bump or blow) to the head during a sporting event or during a fall. During the impact, the brain is pushed in a back and forth motion against the skull. Generally speaking, a concussion is not a life-threatening injury, but the side effects can be very serious. (Image: Brain scans/via UCSF)

A couple of weeks ago, I hit the top of my head very hard getting into a car. As soon as I did it, my neck started to hurt in the area of my spine that I usually need to get adjusted and I felt very off-balanced. I evaluated myself and I didn't have a concussion, but boy was I sore for about a week! I am so thankful I received an upper cervical adjustment soon after because I know how serious a concussion can play into my health.

If you have read any of my past articles, I mention "Upper Cervical." Upper cervical chiropractors have been specifically trained to find even the slightest misalignments of the C1 and C2 vertebrae (2). These are the exact misalignments that can lead to changes in central nervous system function and post-concussion syndrome symptoms. Once the spine is properly realigned, many patients notice that symptoms are reduced or eliminated completely, sometimes even from the very first adjustment.

If you are suffering from the effects of post-concussion syndrome, even if you can't remember the head or neck injury or other trauma that may have caused the issues, it is worth having an examination performed by an upper cervical chiropractor to see if a C1 or C2 subluxation exists. If so, you may be a gentle adjustment away from natural relief.

RightEye LLC

We also use a device called RightEye LLC in our office. RightEye LLC is a health technology company using eye tracking and gaming to revolutionize health care and vision performance through innovative vision tests and vision training games. RightEye EyeQ tests help us assess eyesight, brain and reading disorders, and performance issues in patients by following a science-based, metric-driven methodology. Using a cloud-based platform, the RightEye system provides reports within minutes to give us an objective, measurable way to view the quality of a patient's vision and track the success of various treatments. These tests have helped us see where the patient is and determine if the treatment plan is working.

Neurofeedback therapy

Neurofeedback therapy has also been a lifesaver in our office. Neurofeedback literally means "brain" and "input", where the brain is monitored and input is given instantly. Neurofeedback specifically monitors brainwaves, looks for irregularities, then produces a signal that is designed to correct the irregularity and guide the brainwave back into a healthy pattern. With repetition of this process over time, the brain will learn to stay in healthy ranges without the aid of the computer. The result is an improvement in brain regulation, which in turn can reduce or eliminate most neurological symptoms.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Depending on the type of injury, signs and symptoms of a concussion have the potential to show up immediately.  This occurs most often in high impact sports or car accidents. Often times, however, the symptoms can take up to 24 hours to a week before they appear in lower impact injuries. Some injuries may develop into Post-Concussion Syndrome. A diagnosis of Post-Concussion Syndrome is considered if 3 or more of the following symptoms have occurred or are still occurring:

• Poor concentration
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Poor word recall
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Trouble with noise or lights

Why is it important to supplement with nutrition after a concussion has occurred?

A concussion is not just a physical injury but can also be a metabolic injury. Following a concussion, it is vital that the brain make energy to not only function, but to heal itself. The brain produces a natural chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).  It is important to reset and support BDNF as it helps damaged neurons recover. (3) For the best results, it's important to start a nutritional support program as close to the injury date as possible. Listed below are recommendations for post-concussion nutritional support:

• Protein -Multiple studies have shown that by adding 1 gram of protein for every kilogram of your body weight can help support the healing and repairing process. (3,6)
• Creatine- Is used as an energy support. One study used to support the use of creatine for post traumatic brain injury demonstrated the following, "children and adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), six months of creatine supplementation of 400mg/kg bodyweight appears to significantly reduce the frequency of headaches (from 93.8% to 11.1%), fatigue (from 82.4% to 11.1%), and dizziness (from 88.9% to 43.8%), relative to an unblinded control." (7)
• Choline– supports the formation of brain synapses and development. (8)
• Magnesium- studies show that magnesium in the brain can drop up to 50% within the first 5 days of a traumatic brain injury. This in return may cause inflammation due to the inability produce energy to repair and restore function. (8)
• Zinc- After a traumatic brain injury, there is a potential increase in urinary zinc loss. Intake of Zinc has been linked to improved behavioral outcomes. (8)
• Curcumin– helps reduce neuroinflammation and linked to improved cognitive function.(9)
• Resveratrol- helps reduce inflammation and increase cerebral blood flow. (8)
• Vitamin D - is neuroprotective and supports the immune system. (3)
• Fish Oils - Omega 3 Fatty Acids, particular DHA are essential for brain development and function. A study on American Football players demonstrated lower makers for brain damage, when supplementing with 2 grams of DHA daily. (9)
• Coenzyme Q10 - helps reduce neurodegeneration and increases blood supply to the brain.
• Magnesium and Vitamin B2 – are linked to reduction of post-concussion headaches.

I love this new package Metagenics offers for brain health. You can get it here.

Not sure where to start or need further advice?

If you or a loved one have had a concussion, it is never too late to reach out to a professional. It is important to start with a comprehensive blood analysis and hair tissue analysis to check on the body's foundation as a whole. This can help determine what you need to be consuming from a dietary and supplement standpoint from the list above. It can also help indicate if there is something you need to be avoiding. What has worked for someone you know, may be completely different than what will work for you. Contact us today to get started and improve your body safely and naturally.

My mission is to help you get healthier without needing more medications. Join here to get my FREE ebook https://www.nomoremedsmovement.com/ebook and join the INNER Circle if you want accountability to take action for your health.

By joining this circle, you have the unique opportunity to ask questions and share personal experiences while engaging with like-minded individuals and gaining the support of health professionals who are experts in health and wellness.

I am looking forward to showing up more in your life and Serving you Better!! Don't forget to Listen to the No More Meds Podcast and join the No More Meds Movement with me. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Keep Breathing,
Dr. Corinne Weaver 

Email: Dr@DrCorinneWeaver.com
Website: www.DrCorinneWeaver.com

Dr. Corinne Weaver is a compassionate upper cervical chiropractor, educator, motivational speaker, mother of three, and internationally bestselling author. In 2004, she founded the Upper Cervical Wellness Center in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Over the last 13 years, she has helped thousands of clients restore their brain to-body function. When she was 10 years old, she lost her own health as the result of a bike accident that led to having asthma and allergy issues that she thought she would always have to endure. Then, after her first upper cervical adjustment at age 21, her health began to improve thanks to upper cervical care and natural herbal remedies. This enabled her to create a drug-free wellness lifestyle for herself and her family, and she also enthusiastically discovered her calling to help children heal naturally.

Dr. Weaver was named one of Charlotte Magazine's "Top Doctors" in 2016 and is now a number-one internationally bestselling author to two books: Learning How to Breathe and No More Meds. 

Upper Cervical Wellness Center is known for finding the root cause of health concerns through lifestyle changes, diagnostic testing, nutraceutical supplementation, and correction of subluxation (as opposed to just medicating the symptoms). The practice offers cutting-edge technological care at its state-of-the-art facility, including laser-aligned upper cervical X-rays, bioimpedance analysis (measures body composition), digital thermography (locates thermal abnormalities characterized by skin inflammation), and complete nutritional blood analysis, which is focused on disease prevention.

Words Cited

1. Harmon, Kimberly G., et al. "American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position "Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, vol. 23, no. 1, 2013, pp. 1–18., doi:10.1097/jsm.0b013e31827f5f93.
2. Upper Cervical Awareness
3. Silverman, Robert. "How To Use Nutrition To Speed Your Concussion Recovery." Mindbodygreen
4. Bozic CR, et al. Neurogenic amplification of immune complex Science, 1996;273:1722.
5. Davis KA, et al. Complement deficiency and immune complex Semin Immunopathol, 1994;15:397.
6. Silverman , Robert. "Feed a Concussion: Speedy Nutrient Support Offers the Hope of Better "Dynamic Chiropractic - Chiropractic, News, Articles, Research & Information for Chiropractors - Find a Chiropractor, 15 June 2015.
7. "Concussion Post 14 – "Doc Edwards Health & Fitness, 7 Apr. 2016.
8. Swanson , Alex. "The Best Supplements for Concussion Recovery." 14 June 2014.
9. Tropf, Allison. "Nutrition Supplementation and Concussions." ALT Performance Nutrition, 28 Dec. 2018.
10. Kalayci, M., Unal, M. M., Gul, S., Acikgoz, S., Kandemir, N., Hanci, V., ... & Acikgoz, B.