Concussions and the Brain

Concussions and brain injury are topics that cycle through thenews almost every year. I was reading the new Men’s Health magazineand came across an article about young boys playing football. Thearticle recounts a story of an 8-year-old who took a few directhits to his head while playing football. They were worried abouthim when he didn’t stand up after this third helmet-to-helmethit.

He eventually did get up, but the question remains as far as howmuch damage did that do to him. He was checked by doctors and toldthat he doesn’t have a concussion. While that’s a relief to hear,that does not put that boy in the clear. Concussions are not theonly danger when it comes to hits to the head.

Concussion Symptoms

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By definition, a concussion is when the brain is rattled so hardwithin the skull that there is physical damage to the brain.Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, mental confusion,sleep disorders, blackout, and fatigue, among others. People canhave these symptoms with or without an actual concussion and peoplewith concussions won’t always have these symptoms.

What Happens After Concussions?

An article published in 2011, showed that trauma in the head andneck region caused misalignment of the cervical spine thusrestricting the flow of the liquid that surrounds the brain andspinal column. This interruption of the flow of the cerebrospinalfluid (CSF) is linked to the beginning of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).This is evidence of just one possible outcome of such trauma and itdoesn’t even mention the presence or history of concussions.Another common symptom that comes from head trauma is migraineheadaches and/or cervicogeneic headaches.

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The big symptom that has made its rounds in the media is ChronicTraumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative brain diseasecommon in athletes, veterans, and others with a history ofrepetitive brain trauma. This can only be determined posthumouslybut the symptoms can be seen before someone is diagnosed. Theseinclude difficulty thinking (cognitive impairment), impulsivebehavior, depression, short-term memory loss, difficulty planningand carrying out tasks (executive function), emotional instability,substance abuse, suicidal thoughts or behavior.

What do I do if I’ve had head trauma?

football players and Upper Cervical specialists, I’ve seen somany variations of head-related trauma. Patients are more worriedabout concussions as well they should be, but what I become moreconcerned about is the damage done even without the signs andsymptoms of a concussion. If there is trauma to the head and neck,then the spine can become misaligned. The easiest place for thecervical spine to misalign is at the top, the level of theatlas.

When the atlas becomes misaligned, several problems can begin.First, as mentioned before, the CSF flow can be interrupted andinadequately nourish the brain and lead to future degenerativeproblems. Second, the brainstem can become compromised leading todecreased neurological function. Third, blood flow from thevertebral arteries can become insufficient to allow for properbrain function.

By fixing this misalignment in the spine, Upper CervicalChiropractors can help prevent the degeneration of the brain andpotentially stop the damage. By locating, detecting, and correctingthis misalignment without harmful drugs or surgery, Upper Cervicaldoctors can give you the best chance at preventing a debilitatinglifetime of pain and suffering.

If you or someone you know has had repetitive head trauma or isshowing symptoms that might be related, tell them to find an UpperCervical Health care practitioner.