Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) that alters the way a brain functions. It is typically caused by a blow to the head but can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken (such as in a car accident or in a fall).
Concussions or MTBI's are very common in contact sports and this group is most likely to experience multiple concussions. There appears to be a susceptibility or vulnerability that occurs after receiving a concussion that makes subsequent head injury more likely to produce concussion symptoms. The effects of multiple concussions are also cumulative, meaning that symptoms can become increasingly worse with each episode.
Occasionally a person may not be aware that they have in fact received a concussion. Most of us assume that it has only happened if we lose consciousness, but this is not considered a hallmark of concussion, in fact, fewer than 10 percent of people who get a concussion actually lose consciousness.
Symptoms of concussion commonly include:
Symptoms usually appear quickly (from a few minutes after the event to appearing within the next day or two) and symptoms can vary from person to person. Headaches, memory issues, feeling "foggy" mentally, sleep distrubances and irritability are the most commonly reported symptoms.
Concussion/MTBI symptoms are often the result of the brain reacting to the initial impact by altering neurotransmitter levels and neurometabolism, instead of or in addition to physical damage or inflammation. This helps to explain why people experience such symptoms as memory issues, inability to focus/attend properly or headaches. It can also help explain why some people recover fairly quickly and while others do not.
So why should I consider neurofeedback?
Concussion (or MTBI) symptoms do not always resolve on their own or they can take weeks to months to let up. Neurofeedback has been clinically demonstrated to help people recover faster from the symptoms of concussion or MTBI and regain their cognitive functioning and abilities.
To access research and studies relating to the use of neurofeedback with concussion and MTBI, please click here
The CDC has put together a great resource about concussions, including facts, prevention and information for everyone from parents to health care practitioners; to visit their site, please click here
For local resources (London ON) on concussion diagnosis and treatment:
Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic
Parkwood Hospital Acquired Brain Injury Program (at St. Joseph's Victoria campus)
Concussions or MTBI's are very common in contact sports and this group is most likely to experience multiple concussions. There appears to be a susceptibility or vulnerability that occurs after receiving a concussion that makes subsequent head injury more likely to produce concussion symptoms. The effects of multiple concussions are also cumulative, meaning that symptoms can become increasingly worse with each episode.
Occasionally a person may not be aware that they have in fact received a concussion. Most of us assume that it has only happened if we lose consciousness, but this is not considered a hallmark of concussion, in fact, fewer than 10 percent of people who get a concussion actually lose consciousness.
Symptoms of concussion commonly include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Feeling tired, groggy or sluggish
- Difficulty paying attention
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Numbness or tingling
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes (quick mood changes, depression and poor self-esteem are commonly reported)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Loss of consciousness
- Post traumatic amnesia (events following the event are not remembered)
- A sense of just "not feeling like myself" in terms of cognitive performance
Symptoms usually appear quickly (from a few minutes after the event to appearing within the next day or two) and symptoms can vary from person to person. Headaches, memory issues, feeling "foggy" mentally, sleep distrubances and irritability are the most commonly reported symptoms.
Concussion/MTBI symptoms are often the result of the brain reacting to the initial impact by altering neurotransmitter levels and neurometabolism, instead of or in addition to physical damage or inflammation. This helps to explain why people experience such symptoms as memory issues, inability to focus/attend properly or headaches. It can also help explain why some people recover fairly quickly and while others do not.
So why should I consider neurofeedback?
Concussion (or MTBI) symptoms do not always resolve on their own or they can take weeks to months to let up. Neurofeedback has been clinically demonstrated to help people recover faster from the symptoms of concussion or MTBI and regain their cognitive functioning and abilities.
To access research and studies relating to the use of neurofeedback with concussion and MTBI, please click here
The CDC has put together a great resource about concussions, including facts, prevention and information for everyone from parents to health care practitioners; to visit their site, please click here
For local resources (London ON) on concussion diagnosis and treatment:
Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic
Parkwood Hospital Acquired Brain Injury Program (at St. Joseph's Victoria campus)
