Most people think of headaches, dizziness and pain as the only symptoms associated with concussions.
They never think about changes in blood pressure and heart rate, the importance of stable blood sugar levels and maintaining an adequate intake of essential fatty acids during the acute phase, but let us tell you that there are MANY factors to consider in addition to the head, spine and the muscles that control them when it comes to concussion.
The first thing that happens in a concussion is that neurons are stretched, twisted and injured in the deep contact areas of the brain.
The biggest problem with deep brain injuries is that the brainstem is affected. The brainstem contains long neurons that connect different parts of the brain.
Symptoms
The list of symptoms that can occur during a concussion is extensive and may include:
Headaches
Balance problems, feeling of "light-headedness".
Heart rate variability
Development of bad intestinal functions such as; intestinal permeability, constipation or diarrhea.
Dryness of the eyes and/or mouth
Coordination problems
Fatigue
Sensitivity to sound and/or light
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
Vision problems such as double vision
When you have a cortical injury or areas of the cerebral cortex are injured (frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, basal ganglia), the following symptoms may be added:
Disturbed concentration
Colored brain anatomy
Loss of motivation
Depression and/or anxiety
Behavioral Disorders
Fatigue when reading or symptoms of dyslexia
Unprovoked anger
Apathy
Increase or decrease in skin sensitivity problems
Speech difficulties
Memory loss
Poor spatial awareness
An injury to the cerebellum is worrisome, but very common in concussions. The cerebellum, called the "small brain", actually contains more neurons than the entire brain itself. It is involved in all aspects of the information that goes in and out of the brain. It controls the following: muscle tone, motor coordination, thought, emotion, balance, vestibular output, posture. It is responsible for vertigo and the constant integration of all parts of the brain.
Treatment
Our diagnostic tests help determine which parts of the brain are involved and to what extent.
Our physical examination helps to determine how well your brain is being nourished and how much we can push you to rehabilitate.
If you have concerns about any of these areas of your brain, please contact us.