How Hard is Too Hard? Examining the Forces Behind Concussive Impacts.
Introduction to Concussions A concussion (or mild traumatic brain injury) is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain experiences sudden movement or impact. This can…
Every suspected traumatic brain injury warrants a thorough neurological examination. As you conduct your exam, it is important to remember that a brain injury may include structural or functional compromise…
Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury often caused by a blow to the head or body, can have serious implications for an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. The…
The PCSS: When is it Concussion/PCS? Who's at Risk for Delayed Recovery?
Understanding the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale In at least one way, the Pittsburgh Steelers were a step ahead of the rest of the NFL in the 90s as they began using…
In Episode 16, we discussed whether or not neck strengthening exercises can help to prevent concussions, supplements that may support recovery, and visual motion sensitivity following injury.
The idea behind neck strengthening exercises for concussion prevention is because concussion is due to acceleration or deceleration. The theory is that, if the neck is stronger – or stiffer – then it wouldn’t cause as much of a whipping motion, and may prevent the brain moving back and forth within the skull.
There are some problems with this theory. Firstly, the mechanism of injury for concussion is the stretching and shearing of neurons or axons within the brain, and not the coup-contrecoup theory. Check out the below post from @Concussion_Doc about mechanism of injury theories.
During the episode, Dr. Marshall explains that neck strength does not equal neck stiffness. In order to reduce the risk for concussion, an athlete needs to be able to prepare and anticipate that an impact is coming. In-game awareness and being able to contract the neck quickly can help this. Listen to the full episode below or check out this blog post: Can neck strength reduce concussion risk?
Creatine has intrigued a lot of researchers in the concussion space. It is proven to increase ATP production in the muscles, but can it increase ATP levels in the brain following injury? Dr. Marshall discusses some of the research as well as theories about the role of creatine in concussion management.
Other supplements to consider are those that reduce inflammation, which may include omega-3 fatty acids. Find a clinic near you and speak to a trained healthcare provider prior to taking any supplements.
Visual Motion Sensitivity
Visual motion sensitivity and symptoms of dizziness in large crowds, cars, grocery stores or shopping malls are extremely common for people suffering from a concussion or persistent symptoms. Dr. Marshall discusses some of the approaches to concussion care that may help to alleviate some of these symptoms.
Complete Concussions specializes in collaborative, evidence-based concussion care. Our evidence-based training programs and integrated healthcare technologies empower multidisciplinary teams to implement standardized care for those impacted by concussions.
Our network and patient database enables large-scale research to advance concussion management, and ultimately, the long-term health and well-being of concussion patients and also teach them some concussion care at home.
We analyze leading research to develop best-in-class approaches to concussion care.