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@ lowcarbdoctor
2023-09-17 13:33:51While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment
Concussion Head injury with changes in mental functioning. The consequences of concussion can be life-changing.
Post-concussion syndrome: Symptoms that persist past 3 months after traumatic brain injury.
Some symptoms after concussion: Depression, photophobia, headache, fatigue, disequilibrium, confusion, insomnia, anxiety, difficulty concentrating.
Pathophysiology: Metabolic, physiologic, and micro structural injury to the brain. Autonomic nervous system dysregulation occurs. The autonomic nervous system regulates cerebral blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate. Heart rate variability post injury due to damage in the vagal nerve tracks can result in early fatigue, and inappropriate increases in blood pressure and heart rate during activity.
Concussion treatments that address the pathophysiology derangements:
Limited rest, then low level activity as tolerated.
Preventing blood sugar and insulin excursions with low carb, high fat diet and intermittent fasting.
Stimulate the endocannabinoid system with gradually increasing exercise, meditation, and foods such as: Truffles, dark chocolate, coffee, oregano, curcumin, cinnamon, Chia seeds, hemp, walnuts, sardines, eggs, anchovies. Some evidence that CBD oil is helpful also.
Meditation and non-sleep deep rest protocols.
Cold Thermogenesis therapy. Stimulates dopamine and adrenaline.
Stress reduction techniques including: Singing, cold exposure, and abdominal belly breathing increase parasympathetic tone.
Low-dose naltrexone decreases inflammation, increases endorphins, and improves immune function.
Other medications to stimulate serotonin, dopamine, etc. such as amitriptyline and SSRIs.
Use a red light and low light conditions at home. When red light is used within 3 hours of wakening, you have decreased free radicals in the mitochondria, improved cellular ATP production, and improved cell function.
Use blue blocker glasses or other sunglasses to decrease glare and headache.
Consider greater occipital nerve block for headache pain.
Propranolol and indomethacin medications offer benefit to some.
Optimize vitamin D levels.
Optimize sleep. Address mouth breathing, allergies, sleep apnea, sleep hygiene, and use white noise.
Elevate heels by 12 degrees when sleeping. Improves glymphatic system washout-processing of cellular debris from the brain.
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!
Jason Williams, D.O.