Concussion Injury
Symptoms
A concussion does not necessarily show visible wounds, yet it should be taken very seriously. The symptoms begin with a short loss of consciousness after injury, followed by strong headaches, typically accompanied by nausea. The longer the loss of consciousness, the more certain that the injury has caused some damage. There is often some disorientation and memory loss. Depending on the severity, headaches, poor concentration, dizziness and fatigue often last for days or months. Symptoms are not always immediately apparent, and if symptoms occur days or more after a head injury, they should be treated just as seriously.
Concussion Injury Causes
The cause of a concussion is a blunt blow to the head, from a fall, car accident or an assault. The brain, which lies in a cushion of fluid, is knocked against the hard bones of the skull. Seek medical help immediately. Watch the person for a while after the injury for signs of a concussion.
Concussion Injury Nutrition
Nutrition is vital to provide nutrients to speed the recovery and assist the body in healing. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables of the season, whole grains and legumes. Taking several meals throughout the day instead of one large one will aid digestion. Avoid heavy, fried and fatty foods which take a lot of energy to digest and remain in the stomach for long periods. Healthy fats in the form of avocados and flax seed oil provide essential fatty acids which boost the immune system. Hearty home-made vegetable soups, oatmeal with fruit and fresh fruit juices are excellent foods to promote healing because they contain many important vitamins and minerals.
A concussion can often lead to memory loss and certain foods have proven effective in improving short- and long-term memory. Soy beans and eggs both contain choline, a vitamin needed for nerve transmission and brain function, including memory.
Concussion Injury Nutritional Supplements
To speed healing and increase oxygen to the brain, and to prevent further damage after a concussion, supplement with antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, E and all the B vitamins, as well as the minerals selenium and zinc, are antioxidants. In addition to stimulating the healing process, vitamin C also enhances the immune system, reduces blood pressure and protects against bruising and blood clotting. Vitamin C should be taken with bioflavonoids to improve its effects. Vitamin E works to repair damaged tissue. When vitamins C and E work together, they have a greater effect than when they are taken separately.
To maintain proper nerve function and help relieve depression and anxiety, the B vitamins are most beneficial. These should be taken in a B complex vitamin for optimal effect.
The mineral selenium helps prevent the formation of free radicals which damage the cells.
Zinc is another antioxidant which is also needed by the body to maintain the proper concentration of vitamin E.
In addition to antioxidants there are a variety of natural supplements that have been proven to be effective in enhancing both short and long term memory. Serine, can be taken as a supplement called lecithin or phosphatidylserine. Studies indicate that a minimum 6 month trial of 10–20 grams of 95% phosphatidylserine may be beneficial in memory enhancement.
Coenzyme Q10 is effective because this natural substance carries oxygen to cells. Both GBE and Coenzyme Q10 have negligible side effects when used as directed.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
Helpful
Selenium, 200 mcg
Zinc, 5 mg, with 3 mg copper
Lecithin, 10–20 mg
Phosphatidylserine, 125 mg daily
Coenzyme Q10, 50 mg daily
Concussion Injury Herbal Remedies
Research in France and Germany indicates that the herb, ginkgo biloba may be effective in helping many aspects of brain function. Some of its actions include improvement of energy production, an increase in cellular glucose uptake, an increase in blood flow to the brain and an enhancement of the transmission of nerve signals. Ginkgo biloba will help many brain functions, including energy production, blood flow and nerve signal transmission, as well as improving memory loss. Steep the leaf part in 1 cup of hot water for five minutes and drink.
Concussion Injury Homeopathy
Arnica is an excellent homeopathic remedy for a concussion resulting from a blow to the head, reducing pain and speeding healing. Use the 30c strength, placing 2 tablets under the tongue. Repeat for two more doses, every fifteen minutes for a severe injury, or an hour apart if less severe.
Concussion Injury Tissue Salts
Take 4 tablets three times daily under the tongue.
Nat sulph is excellent for chronic effects of falls on the head.
Visual trouble should be treated with Mag phos.
Use Ferr phos if hemorrhaging is present.
Concussion Injury External/Physical Therapies
Head injuries may be avoided by some simple preventive measures:
Never toss a child into the air. The vulnerable neck can snap back and forth and cause a concussion.
Never punish a child by shaking him or her.
Wear a helmet for cycling, in-line skating, skiing, playing ball games or riding horses.
Concussion Injury Available Brand Name Products
Nutritional Supplements
Multi Element Buffered C (Klaire Laboratories)
Zinc Plus (Klaire Laboratories)
Flax Oil (Flora)
Flax-O-Mega 1000mg (Flora)
Flax Seed Oil 1000mg (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)
Herbal Remedies
Bilberry Extract (Natural Factors)
Bilberry-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Ginkgo-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Homeopathy
Arnica (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Hypericum (Nelsons Homeopathy)
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