This blog post sheds light on vestibular changes experienced post-concussion. We discuss why it occurs, other symptoms it could manifest as, medications and supplements, and tips for management.
Why does it happen?
In short, a concussion causes brain cells to be temporarily damaged. Thankfully, these brain cells will heal! Until they heal, communication between brain cells is more difficult. This difficulty results in concussion symptoms because the brain is having to work harder, with injured connections and less energy, trying to perform its usual numerous actions. This very helpful blog post explains exactly what happens in the brain that causes cognitive difficulty: What happens to your brain?
How else could this symptom manifest?
Are there any helpful medications/supplements?
“Fortunately, your brain can repair and heal itself! It is valuable to remember that your brain can be retrained. Networks between neurons can be reshaped, rebuilt, and strengthened.” With time, care, and occasionally with medications and natural health products, quality of life and symptoms will get better. Though this list is not extensive, these are a few medications/supplements to discuss with your concussion provider that may be helpful for your child’s cognitive symptoms:
The FDA does not regulate Natural Health Products (NHP’s) in the same way as prescription medications and therefore when choosing a NHP it is important to consider interactions with other NHP’s and medications, whether the product has undergone 3rd party testing (like that done by Consumer Lab), and the number of ingredients in each product. The companies we typically trust, because they conduct 3rd party testing and have fewer added ingredients include: Metagenics, Pure Encapsulations, Nordic Naturals, Barleans, Kirkland Signature, NatureMade, and Neurobiologix.
What else can we do?
Typically, Austin-area schools do an excellent job accommodating students with concussions. The key is frequent communication between the student and the teacher. It’s important to let the teacher know that the student wants to do their best but isn’t yet able due to concussion symptoms. Teachers can’t read the mind of the student and because concussion symptoms are often not obvious to an outsider (like a child with a broken bone wearing a cast); the teacher needs to be informed of how the student is feeling. Though not often, if a parent is struggling with a school allowing all needed academic accommodations, we recommend meeting with the school and asking for their child to have a temporary 504 plan. More information on 504 plans can be found here: 504 plan in Texas
Most children recover from a concussion in 3-4 weeks, and during that time, symptoms typically improve very gradually. If this is not the observed trend, or symptoms are worsening, it is very important to talk to your concussion provider.
References:
https://www.concussionalliance.org/what-happens-to-your-brain
You Might Also Enjoy...
This blog post sheds light on vestibular changes experienced post-concussion. We discuss why it occurs, other symptoms it could manifest as, medications and supplements, and tips for management.
This blog post sheds light on very common eye symptoms experienced post-concussion. We discuss why they occur, other symptoms they could manifest as, medications and supplements, and tips for management.
This blog post sheds light on the very common post-concussion symptom of headache. We discuss why it occurs, other symptoms it could manifest as, medications and supplements, and tips for management.
Thankfully, scientists are constantly inventing and studying products to help detect and prevent concussions. We wanted to take a moment to summarize what we have learned about those products most recently introduced.
ImPACT researchers believe that each concussion falls into 1 or more of 6 trajectories, and that once we understand the trajectories, symptoms, physical findings, and useful treatments can be better understood. We will explore these in the months ahead.
COVID-19 has changed almost all aspects of our lives. For kids, one area that has been changed, is returning to sports participation. Please read below to find out how we determine when and if a child is safe to return to these activities.