Is That Bump a Big Deal? Concussions Explained
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI or mTBI) that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden movement or impact within the skull.
It can result from a blow to the head, a violent shaking of the head and upper body, or a forceful impact that causes the brain to jolt within the skull. While concussions are often associated with sports-related activities, they can also occur in various other situations, such as car accidents, falls, or physical altercations.
What may surprise you to know is that a person does not need to lose consciousness in order to have sustained a concussion.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion is essential for diagnosis and appropriate management. Common symptoms may include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or loss of balance
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Confusion or feeling dazed
Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in mood or behaviour
Sleep disturbances
It’s important to note that symptoms may not always be immediately apparent and can develop over time. It’s also important to note that not everyone will experience these same symptoms. The ones listed just happen to be some of the most common complaints reported post-concussion, but each person’s experience is unique.
If you suspect you’ve sustained a concussion, seeking medical attention for a comprehensive evaluation is essential - as soon as possible.
According to CDC estimates, 1.6-3.8 m sports and recreation related concussions occur each year in the U.S. 10% of all contact sport athletes sustain concussions yearly. Brain injuries cause more deaths than any other sports injury.
Concussion’s Impact on Brain Health
Concussions can have varying effects on brain health, ranging from short-term symptoms to long-term complications.
In the immediate aftermath of a concussion, the brain will experience neuro-chemical changes and disruptions in neural pathways. These changes can lead to confusion, memory difficulties, and sensory disturbances. Following a concussion, many people often describe themselves as feeling “off” or “rattled” or having had their “bell rung.”
While many individuals recover fully from a single concussion, sustaining multiple concussions over time can increase the risk of long-term cognitive impairment and neurological issues.
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As someone who has been studying nutrition for a long time, I couldn’t believe how much information I took away. After years of struggling with my mental health, Kelly detected cerebral inflammation and has given me some really helpful suggestions to reduce this. I truly believe this was life-changing and actually worry about what might have happened if we never had this call. Kelly is friendly, passionate, super knowledgeable and very trustworthy. I 100% recommend her!
Rose B. United Kingdom
Why Choose Me?
I never met a person that didn’t have some resistance to change. I take the time to get to know my clients fully, find their internal motivation and set them up for long-term success that’s personalized.
Long-Term Implications
Research has increasingly highlighted the potential long-term implications of concussions on brain health.
Multiple concussions or a history of mTBIs are linked to a greater risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early-onset dementia, in the future. These conditions are characterized by:
Progressive cognitive decline
Behavioural changes
Increased neurological dysfunction
Because the complications that can result after having multiple concussions or a single concussion that was not allowed to properly heal can be dire, it’s crucial to emphasize proactive concussion management and prevention strategies.
Diagnosis and Concussion Treatment
Diagnosing a concussion typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, which may include neurological assessments, cognitive tests, and imaging studies.
While most concussions do not require surgery or invasive interventions, rest - both physical rest and cognitive rest - is often recommended to allow the brain to heal. In some cases, rehabilitation therapies may be necessary to address persistent symptoms and facilitate recovery.
How to Prevent a Concussion
Ideally, no one should have to deal with the aftermath of a concussion.
Preventing concussions is a critical aspect of safeguarding our future brain health, particularly in high-risk activities such as contact sports and recreational pursuits.
Key preventive measures include:
Using appropriate protective gear, including helmets and headgear
Following safety guidelines and rules in sports and recreational activities
Following proper techniques of the sport to minimize the risk of head injuries
Building awareness around the signs and symptoms of concussions among athletes, coaches, parents, and educators
Implementing concussion protocols in sports organizations and educational institutions
The Role Research and Education Play in Concussion Support
Continued research remains crucial in helping advance our understanding of concussions as well as their impact on brain health.
From exploring innovative diagnostic tools to investigating potential treatments for post-concussion symptoms, ongoing research efforts aim to enhance clinical care and optimize outcomes for individuals affected by concussions. Furthermore, education initiatives are essential for raising awareness about concussions, promoting early recognition, and fostering a culture of safety in sports and everyday activities.
Fortunately, I’ve done all the work and research for you so you don’t have to!
Post-concussion Support
Did you know I’ve made it my mission to help those struggling with lingering post-concussion symptoms that they want to better manage naturally?
Some of those symptoms can include unrelenting fatigue, increased sensitivity to stimulation, headaches, anxiety, dizziness, intense anger outbursts, brain fog, memory issues, moodiness, irritability, and insomnia. Additional symptoms may include bowel urgency, feeling that daily tasks are overwhelming, and a loss of identity.
If any of these sound like you and you’re ready to regain your identity, want to feel valuable and productive again, and are ready to get your life back without creating overwhelm in the process, then I may have the missing piece of the puzzle for you!
I help people achieve all this (and more) through a well-designed and carefully crafted online course I created called the Concussion Care Protocol.
Why? Because I know how isolating it can feel when your family and friends simply don’t understand what you’re going through. You may “look fine,” but internally, you are anything but - and I don’t want that for you any longer!
The course walks you through a basic understanding of what happens in the brain the moment you sustain a concussion, some little-known facts about why you may still be struggling (months or even years later), and what you can do - step by step - to start nourishing the brain and calming the nervous system.
Proper nutrition post-concussion is crucial for recovery - as is having the support of a professional who understands exactly what you need.
But don’t just take my word for it!
Devon says, “Kelly is incredibly knowledgeable and provides so much detail and explanation of cause, effect, AND possible treatment courses that I feel more empowered than I ever have in the 17 years since my TBI to take control of my brain health and support its optimal functioning. The course is a wonderful balance of specific nutritional directives AND sound practical strategies for long-term sustainable management of symptoms alongside your everyday responsibilities.”
Another benefit of the Concussion Care Protocol course is that it works to provide immediate post-concussion care AND long-term brain injury management. So whether you sustained a concussion last week or last year, you’ll gain tremendous value from the course!
If you’d like to hop on a brief call to find out more details and explore if the course may be right for you, please email me to arrange your free, no-obligation call today!
Conclusion
The link between concussions and brain health underscores the significance of proactive management, preventive measures, and ongoing research.
By recognizing the signs of concussions, seeking timely medical attention, and prioritizing safety in various settings, we can strive to mitigate the potential impact concussions can have on brain health. Through collaborative efforts encompassing healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, athletes, and the broader community, we can work towards promoting brain health and minimizing the risks associated with concussions.
In conclusion, staying informed about concussions and advocating for best practices in concussion management are essential steps in safeguarding brain health and well-being. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of concussions and their implications, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions and promote a culture of safety in all aspects of life.
Remember, if you suspect a concussion or witness someone experiencing symptoms following a head injury, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention to ensure they receive proper evaluation and care. Together, we can prioritize brain health and work towards a future where concussions pose minimal risk to individuals of all ages.
[Medical Disclaimer]
Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.