What is a Concussion?
A concussion, in short, is a traumatic brain injury.
This can happen because of a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. However, it can also happen because of a hit to the body that causes the brain to quickly move back and forth.
But, just because you hit your head doesn’t mean you have a concussion.
It all depends on how the brain moves and twists in the skull, what damage has been done to the brain cells, and what chemical changes have occurred.
Signs and Symptoms:
Common signs and symptoms of a concussion include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
- Loss of memory or forgetfulness
- Mood change
- Sluggish or groggy
- Sensitive to light or noise
- Trouble with concentration or lack of focus
Symptoms typically show up relatively quickly after the event occurs, but some symptoms may take a few hours or days to show up.
Symptoms usually last only a few hours, but may last a couple of weeks.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome is a condition related to some forms of brain injury – often associated with concussions.
It may be diagnosed when symptoms after a brain injury persist for weeks, months, or more than a year.
Studies have been inconclusive as to why some people get post-concussion syndrome and some people don’t, but they know it is not associated with the severity of the head injury.
Diagnosis of Post-Concussion Syndrome
Diagnosis is hard because all of the symptoms can be attributed to other things. It’s usually diagnosed after symptoms have not improved for several weeks, and they’ve run ct scans, blood work and a physical exam to make sure there is no other reason for the symptoms.
Symptoms can be so persistent that they affect your day-to-day life: from troubles with thinking and memory, to problems with sleep, mood, nausea, and dizziness.
Recovering from Post-Concussion Syndrome
Rest is truly key to healing your brain because that is the time our brain works to repair and restore itself.
From reducing stress, to increasing sleep, to removing any activity that requires concentration – the brain needs a break to heal.
That includes a break from hard to digest foods – like sugar, gluten, dairy, and any food sensitivity you may be experiencing. Increasing your nutrient rich foods (think fruits and vegetables), healthy fats (coconut oil, salmon, nuts and seeds), and proteins are really helpful.
But, I have also found low-glycemic carbohydrates really important for a quick source of energy. The brain is on high alert and working hard to repair itself – it needs energy!
Supplementation can be important too – from probiotics to keep the brain-gut connection healthy, to fish oil for brain food, to sunflower lecithin. But remember, don’t self-treat yourself with supplements.
If you’ve tried all the things but are looking for help through this process, then book in a nutrition consultation and I’ll help you out!
