National Concussion Awareness Day is this Friday, September 15th. Surprisingly, there have been no scientific studies that have proven a gold standard in concussion treatment. All current recommendations including the Return to Play Guidelines are based on expert opinion, not double-blind-placebo research studies. Some experts recommend rest and dark-room therapy while newer studies say that moderate exercise could be a path to reducing risk on Post-Concussion Syndrome. Many doctors prescribe medications aimed at pain relief, attention deficits and emotional symptoms, however other providers use a wait-and see-approach. This often leaves concussion sufferers and their care givers confused and eventually left to navigate their own path to healing if symptoms persist.
Many of those patients suffering with Post-Concussion Syndrome find help through natural approaches such as chiropractic care, cranio-sacral therapy, dietary changes, hyperbaric oxygen treatments, visual therapy and/or nutritional supplements. Symptoms from concussion vary and can have a delayed onset of hours or even days after the impact. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty remembering or paying attention
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Feeling irritable, more emotional, or “down”
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bothered by light or noise
- Double or blurry vision
- Slowed reaction time
- Sleep problems
- Loss of consciousness
If you or a loved one has suffered a whiplash or trauma to the head that results in any one or more of the above signs or symptoms seek an evaluation for proper diagnosis. And remember, although prescription and over-the-counter drugs may yield quick pain relief, true healing takes time.
Our advice? Rest, eat well and seek alternative care aimed at helping your brain heal naturally!
Links to case studies where chiropractic care helped in Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome recovery:
https://chiropracticpediatrics.sharepoint.com/Pages/2014_1336_postconcussion.aspx
http://uppercervicalsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2011_1056_post_concussion.aspx
http://uppercervicalsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2011_1093_seizures.aspx