In 2005, Dr. Omalu published research which defined Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) as a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive head injuries which typically occur in professional athletes from contact sports (football, boxing, hockey, soccer, etc).This was pretty groundbreaking because,...
In 2005, Dr. Omalu published research which defined Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) as a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive head injuries which typically occur in professional athletes from contact sports (football, boxing, hockey, soccer, etc).This was pretty groundbreaking because, prior to this, most people would advise those who experienced a strong blow to the head to just “shake it off.” Dr. Omalu’s work on CTE shone an important spotlight on three important factors:
The importance of minimizing head injuries
A broad awareness that even mTBI (mild traumatic brain injuries) and concussions can lead to chronic symptoms in individuals
The need to promote proper treatment and recovery for mild-to-severe head injuries.
At the same time as Dr. Omalu’s work, Sydney Crosby was also experiencing a concussion. This is how Crosby described his experience:
“When you get a typical injury, you’re given a time frame, you’re gradually working towards getting back,” Crosby said. “With concussions, there is not generally a time frame or a span where you’re feeling better. You feel like you’re getting better and it can be one day and you’re back to where you started. It’s a frustrating injury and one that anyone has gone through can relate. It’s a hard one to understand unless you’ve gone through it.”
Around a decade later, we know more about concussions and brain injuries, but recovery can still be a very long and daunting process for some people. In today’s article I am going to explain symptoms of concussions, what goes on in the brain after head trauma, and offer some Chinese Medicine insights and practices that may help you on your road to recovery.
First Off, what can I Expect if I Experience a Concussion?
Currently the diagnosis of a concussion is based on rudimentary examinations and cognitive tests performed by physicians. There is no blood test for diagnosis. A CT Scan or MRI typically cannot diagnosis a concussion either— which can make things tricky! But, there are some signs that often present themselves quite quickly. Symptoms generally arise immediately or within 24 hours of the trauma and are often are a combination of:
Headaches Dizziness Confusion short term memory loss (ie: events with +/- 24 hrs) sensitivity to light and sound change in behavior or emotions (anxiety, aggression, depression) nausea foggy brained, sluggish, fatigue loss of consciousness (< 30 min) poor sleepThe injured individual should rest for a few days after their concussion. If their symptoms are persisting a week or two past their initial injury or have become chronic, after consulting with their physician, acupuncture can be used to help alleviate various symptoms.
So, What Causes these Symptoms?
We also all know that the brain is essential to so many bodily functions: from vision, to perception of pain, emotions, regulating organ functions, the list could go on for pages! A lot of what the brain does is regulated by electrochemical impulses: the nerve cells in your brain communicate information between each other via axons through electrical impulses. When your head is hit with a large amount of force, the blow disrupts the brain’s fine tuned system by injuring these axons, as well as other brain cells.
It’s also notable that, even though the brain is surrounded by a strong, bony skull, it is not a hard organ itself. The brain is made of soft tissue which means, if a blow is strong enough, damage to the brain’s soft tissue can occur; this can cause inflammation and adverse symptoms too. Taken together, all these factors reduce blood flow to brain cells and impact their ability to function properly.
How Would Chinese Medicine Explain a Concussion?
In Chinese medicine a term called qi is used to describe the energy that binds everything in our world. Qi applies to both the universe around us, and the complex systems and parts that need to bind and work together within our body: the uninhibited flow of this energy is vital to maintaining focus and balance.
Chinese Medicine views concussion symptoms as a result of blood not moving properly through the head (stagnant blood). The stagnant blood impacts the qi in the brain both by obstructing its flow and its ability to vitalize the brain, which causes fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
How Can You Use Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture to Help Concussion Recovery?
In Chinese Medicine, qi in the body flows along channels in the body which as a group form a complex network. You can effectuate changes to the qi and blood flow in the body via insertion of needles into acupuncture points as well as through the use of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
A number of meridians run from the head to other parts of the body (eg. toes, hands or spine). The general idea for treatment for concussion would be to first choose meridians to treat that traverse the head since, by treating those meridians, we promote the flow of blood and qi in or to the brain. Often a combination of points on the scalp and body would be used to effectuate change to the brain.
A great example to illustrate this concept is the Du Meridian – it flows from the perineum, straight up the spine to the top of the head, then down the middle of the face and ends at the top of the mouth. Acupuncture points in the lumbar area of the Du meridian and other points along the spine are indicated for treatment of brain conditions. Du-20, the acupuncture point located on the top of the head, is known to lower blood pressure and increase vascular flow to the head. There are also acupuncture points found on the body to help reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, assist with memory, reduce nausea and help with sleep.
Chinese Herbal formulas have long been used for the treatment of headaches, forgetfulness and traumas to the head. Depending on the symptoms, herbs are used to help move the blood and qi in the head, decrease inflammation, modulate mood and help regulate sleep. I prescribe herbal formulations when appropriate and customize the formulation based on the symptoms of the patient.
Things to Keep in Mind While You are Recovering:
A minimum rest period of 24-48 hours from all activities (work, school, driving, strenuous activities) is recommended until concussion symptoms resolve. Allowing a slow and gradual reintegration to daily activities is essential (of course starting with non-strenuous activities). The goal with slow integration is to not to over stimulate the brain, ceasing any activities that trigger a return of the concussion symptoms. Most individuals have their symptoms resolve within 2-4 weeksIf you suspect you’ve experienced a concussion, please see your physician for diagnosis and follow the appropriate rest and recovery guidelines. Your brain will thank you for it and Sydney Crosby would give you the thumbs up. If your symptoms are persisting or are chronic, an acupuncture treatment course and Chinese herbal formulas may be a great option to help you on your road to recovery. If you would like to learn more, schedule a free 15 minute meet and greet with me; I’m happy to help!
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