Concussions: Know the Signs 

and Protect Your Mind

by Dr. Gary Kaplan, DO & Pat Alomar, PT  

Quick Links

 

Research
 

 

Acute Effects and Recovery Time Following Concussion in Collegiate Football Players: The NCAA Concussion Study 

 

Cumulative Effects Associated With Recurrent Concussion in Collegiate Football Players: The NCAA Concussion Study 

 
   

Resources

 

Heads up: Concussion in Youth Sports

Informational toolkit provided by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

Arnica

 

Glutathione IVs

 

Omega-3 Supplementation

 

Brain Gym 

 

Craniosacral Therapy

 

Concussion Recognition Smartphone App for Parents and Coaches 

Developed by Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill, using content from the CDC

 

 

 

 

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Greetings!

Dr. Gary Kaplan

 

"Walk it off!"  "Get back in the game!"

 

Great character-building advice, right? Well, maybe sometimes.  But if you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, this advice is absolutely WRONG!

 

Recently I posted an article on our website providing valuable information about the diagnosis and treatment of concussions. I also added some recommendations for alternative treatments that I hope you'll find helpful. 

pat alomar formal
Pat Alomar, PT

 

Concussions are not uncommon, and they are a serious health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.7 million Americans suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, and three-quarters of these are classified as concussions. Any blow or jolt to the head or neck can cause a concussion, but most are sports-related.

 

Although we're well into the fall sports season, it's never too late to refresh your understanding of how to identify and respond to a concussion. Above all, never underestimate the danger of the condition. The health consequences of ignoring a concussion can be severe.

Protective equipment reduces the impact of a blow to the head; however,
you can still suffer a concussion
if there is enough force.

  

Research indicates that with each additional trauma to the head/brain, there is a slower recovery in neurological function. In addition, the cumulative effect of multiple concussions increases one's risk of developing neurodegenerative health problems later in life. 

   

To improve your chances of recovery, follow these steps:

 

1.  Familiarize yourself with the symptoms. Note that the onset of symptoms can be delayed for hours or even days after a head injury, so stay alert for any new symptoms or behavioral changes during this post-injury period.

 

2.  Seek immediate medical attention for anyone exhibiting the following symptoms:

 

          * A change in consciousness, manifesting as difficulty staying awake or alert, not making sense when talking or not being able to understand what is being said
          * Headache is getting progressively worse
          * Increasing nausea or vomiting
          * Pronounced physical weakness
          * Slurred speech

3.  If the head-injured person does not exhibit any of the five big danger signs listed above, the focus should be ensuring that he or she gets plenty of rest and hydration.
 

 

4.  Communicate with your physician throughout the recovery process.  

    

5.  Consider using supplemental medical resources to support your recovery from a brain injury, including: Arnica; Glutathione IVs; Dietary supplementation, especially Omega-3s and Vitamin-B12; Brain Gym; Craniosacral Therapy; and Specialized Blood Testing.

 

6.  Finally, be realistic about the pace of your recovery. 

   

To learn more about these steps, please click here.    

 

Most importantly, never ignore a potential concussion. Your brain is worth protecting! 

 

As always, you have our best wishes for your optimal health.

 

Dr. Gary Kaplan


kaplanLotusKaplan Center for Integrative Medicine
6829 Elm Street
McLean, Virginia 22101
703-532-4892

www.kaplanclinic.com