Today more people are aware of the dangers of TBI, including concussions. More effective helmets are worn to help prevent traumatic brain injuries during sports and other activities. Coaches, athletes, parents and teachers are aware of the seriousness of head injuries and the need to be conservative about returning athletes to play following head trauma.
Prevention and prompt care at the time of a traumatic brain injury are extremely important. But it’s also important to be aware of the effects of TBI that may come later, linger longer, and prove difficult for the injured person to overcome. Following a concussion, people are often advised to rest, take over-the-counter headache remedies as needed, and to give the brain a chance to heal. This makes sense and it is important to avoid a second brain injury. Do not participate in any activity that might put you at risk while you heal.
TBI involves an interruption of normal physiology, and multiple biochemical pathways may be involved. Trauma to the brain causes neuroinflammation, which can inhibit the brain’s ability to function properly and to recover from damage at the cellular level. Normally, the brain can heal itself, which is why in most cases, the symptoms of mild TBI fade and resolve on their own fairly fast. Yet if a second injury occurs while the brain is still healing, more inflammation can result in more severe damage. Symptoms may become chronic. The individual will also be at greater risk for additional injuries, and more serious ones too.
Chronic concussion symptoms may include headache, brain fog, dizziness or vertigo, or mood disturbances. It’s important for these and other suspected symptoms to be properly addressed and resolved, or they may continue to affect quality of life long term. Functional neurology is an ideal choice for therapeutic support that can help with healing and recovery following TBI.
A functional neurologist utilizes tests to determine what damage has occurred and how it is impacting function and overall wellness and health. Testing can identify exactly why you feel the way you do—why you are struggling with symptoms. It is then possible to support recovery and healing through therapeutic support that is safe, gentle and completely natural. As your condition improves, symptoms fade. Functional neurology aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with measurable results and improvements.
Functional neurologists work closely with patients to help them regain function and return to the quality of life they’ve been missing. Regardless of how long ago your injury occurred, functional neurology may be able to help you overcome chronic symptoms. Functional neurologists take advantage of the latest research, technology and therapeutic techniques in helping individuals recover from TBI. To achieve optimal function following a brain injury and experience the fullest recovery possible, seek the support of a functional neurologist who is experienced in helping TBI patients.