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No Head Shots!

Submitted by on March 26, 2010 - 9:07pm.
March is Brain Injury Awareness month. There are over 3.8 million new brain injuries in the US every year. In fact, these injuries have increased 21% since 2004, due in part to greater sports involvement in the young and falls in the elderly. Head injury may or may not involve a concussion or loss of consciousness. According to a new report, the groups at highest risk for brain injuries are children from birth to 4 years of age, adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, and adults 65 years and older. Falls were the leading cause of brain injury (35.2%), and rates were highest for children from birth to 4 years and for adults 75 years and older. At a recent American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting Douglas Smith, MD, a professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania stated that there is not such thing as a mild head injury. While the treatment up until recently has been observation and release, we are now learning that there are often health problems directly related to the injury, be it whiplash, a fall, or a sports injury. Some of the symptoms that may present 6 or more months after the injury are: cognitive deficits, anxiety, insomnia, depression, infertility, headaches, sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal problems.  
 
What can be done about it? Noticing there is a problem is most important. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident (no matter how mild), had a sports injury or fall, or been diagnosed with a mild concussion, do following:
 
  • ·      Never ignore a bump on the head. The degree of outer injury to the cranium has little to do with the actual injury to the brain, since it is a sensitive and complex organ.
  • ·      Tell your coach or teammates and ask to be taken out of the game (if playing sports)
  • ·      Watch for problems with cognitive ability or memory
  • ·      Monitor for changes in energy, digestion or menses
  • ·      Notice if you have changes in the sense of taste or smell
  • ·      Monitor your mood for depression or anxiety
  • ·      Keep track of any experiences with insomnia
  • ·      Get plenty of rest
  • ·      Come see us if problems persist
 

There are many things that we can do to help the brain heal. Neurofeedback, vitamin D, homeopathy, and fish oil are just a few of the effective treatments that can be beneficial. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner recovery can occur, and the sooner you can be at your best again!  

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