What is a Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Concussion is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to the soft tissues of the brain including nerve cells, supporting tissues and blood vessels. Concussion/TBI may occur from:

• A blow to the head or body

• A whiplash of the head and neck

• A fall or other trauma that violently shakes the brain inside the skull

It can cause nerve interference in the brain that will eventually cause the brain to shrink progressively over time as nerve cells reduce in size and in many cases die. Concussion/TBI can also occur without the individual having to lose consciousness.

If you are suffering from a concussion or TBI, call our office today to schedule your free consultation.

What happens to the brain with Concussion / TBI & Whiplash?

The brain is normally protected by the bony skull and insulated from jarring by fluid that cushions the brain during movement. When the head or body experiences any sudden movement (i.e. whiplash) brain movement can overcome the fluid cushion and be stretched, damaging nerves and become bruised by bumping into the inside of the skull. These tissue injuries disturb the transmission of nerve signals causing pain, dysfunction and symptoms.

Some common ways to get a concussion/TBI are from car accidents that result in whiplash, sports injuries and falls. Most people sustaining a mild concussion with appropriate care will generally recover fully within weeks or months. Recovery may be slower for older adults, young children and teens. More serious concussions or repeated concussions often take longer to recover and may lead to long-lasting problems with thinking, communicating, learning and movement.

Symptoms

Some symptoms may appear right away, while other symptoms may not appear for days or even months after the injury. Some symptoms may not show up until the person begins to resume their everyday activities, and when additional demands are placed upon.

Often times there are no visible signs of a concussion (and whiplash) but there may be symptoms or changes in behavior as listed below:

Thinking/Remembering

• Difficulty thinking clearly

• Taking longer to think, feeling slowed down

• Difficulty concentrating

• Difficulty remembering new information

• Physical Symptoms

Headaches

• Neck and Back pain and stiffness

• Fuzzy and/or Blurred vision

• Nausea and/or Vomiting

• Dizziness and/or Balance problems

• Numbness and/or Tingling

• Increased Sensitivity to light and/or sound

• Feeling tired and/or having no energy

Emotional/Mood

• Feeling more emotional

• Being irritable, frustrated, and/or easily angered

• Feeling sad and/or depressed

• Feeling nervous, restlessness and/or anxious

Sleep

• Sleeping more than usual

• Sleeping less than usual

• Having trouble falling sleep

• Having trouble staying asleep

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Our Approach

Our doctors and staff at Concussion & Whiplash Clinic have extensive training and clinical experience in the early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to relieve suffering from Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Using evidence based diagnostics and therapeutics we enhance the brain-body connection, reversing the causes of a shrinking brain and improving our patients. Quality of Life TODAY and into their FUTURE! 

Call (503) 512-5359 today for a complimentary consultation.

How is a Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) diagnosed?

Any person suspected of having a concussion/traumatic brain injury should see a doctor specializing in the management and recovery of concussion/TBI – ASAP. The doctor will ask specific questions to determine how your brain is currently functioning including your ability:

• To pay attention

• To solve simple problems

• How your memory is working

Other tests will include:

• Checking your balance and movement through space

• Checking your strength, reflexes, and sensation

Additional tests may be ordered including:

CT scan and/or MRI to ensure there is no internal bleeding or other damage.
Neuropsychological tests to check your brain regarding any:

• Information processing difficulties

• Memory deficits

• Language difficulties

• Organization and planning difficulties

Sometimes people may be unwilling to admit that they are having a problem or may not recognize a problem. They can become angry, frustrated and/or confused about what is happening to them. They may think they are okay even though they are behaving differently. It is important that family members and others acquainted with the person assist in pointing out changes in symptoms and behavior to the doctor.

Young Children & Concussion

Young children may have the same symptoms of concussion/TBI. However concussion may be harder to diagnose because of their inability to communicate. Symptoms listed below may indicate a concussion:

• Crying more than usual

• Changes in the way they act or play

• Changes in nursing, eating or sleeping

• Becoming easily upset, exhibiting more tantrums

• Loss of new skills, such as toilet training

• Lack of interest in favorite toys

• Loss of balance and trouble walking

Older Adults & Concussion

Concussion/TBI in older adults are often missed and can be dangerous if not addressed quickly. Identifying a serious problem may include sudden onset of headache, increasing confusion or other symptoms previously not expressed.

When concussion/TBI is suspected in any age group, the person should be seen by a doctor specializing in concussion/TBI right away to ensure early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and timely referral.

How is Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) treated?

The best way to recover from a concussion/traumatic brain injury (TBI) is to see a functional neurology doctor specializing in the management and recovery of concussion/TBI and whiplash. This will ensure:

• Early diagnosis

• Appropriate treatment

• Timely referral and

• Implementation of a concussion self-management plan

The Functional Neurologist will examine you to determine how your brain and nervous system are working and where nerve disruption is occurring. A customized program of care will be designed for your specific needs. Treatment may include:

• Functional Neurology Stimulations – very gentle

• Chiropractic Percussion Instrument Adjusting – very gentle and without the “cracking”

• Acupuncture and Physiotherapies – very gentle

• Massage and Cranial Sacral Therapy – very gentle

• Specific therapeutic exercises and therapeutic activities designed to increase functional, dynamic tasks mimicking real-life activity to address weakness and loss of joint mobility

Functional Neurology methods provide immediate “real time feedback” from your brain and body. This biological feedback allows the functional neurology doctor to refine your program of care each visit according to what your brain and body needs to further its healing.

Concussion/TBI self-management planning includes:

• Getting plenty of sleep at night, and taking it easy during the day

• Use ice or a cold pack on any swelling for 15 at a time with 15-30 minutes in between the next application. Always put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin

• Ask your doctor when it’s okay for you to drive a car

• Avoid activities that are physically demanding such as housework, exercise, riding a bike, operating machinery and strenuous labor *

• Avoid activities that are mentally demanding such as schoolwork, video games, text messaging, or using the computer*

• Your doctor may require you to take time off from work if necessary or change your school or work schedule while you recover*

• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs

Take only prescription medications and over the counter medications as directed by your functional neurology doctor.

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: These medicines decrease pain. They are available without a doctor’s order. Ask your functional neurology doctor which medicine is right for you. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow your functional neurology doctor’s directions.

• These medicines can cause stomach bleeding if not taken correctly. Ibuprofen can cause kidney damage. Do not take ibuprofen if you have kidney disease, an ulcer, or allergies to aspirin. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Do not drink alcohol if you take acetaminophen.

• Take your medicine as directed. Call your functional neurology doctor and or primary care doctor if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him/her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.