Concussion Help.
What is a concussion? Concussions are a common type of brain injury that occur when a blow to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. They are particularly prevalent in sports, where physical contact is frequent, leading to concerns about long-term effects such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur each year in the United States alone.
Understanding Concussions.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, leading to the brain moving rapidly within the skull. This movement can cause chemical changes in the brain, resulting in various symptoms. Concussions can affect anyone but are particularly common in sports where collisions are frequent (Nindl et al., 2017).​
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Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion.
Common signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
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Headaches
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Confusion or disorientation
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Dizziness or balance issues
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Nausea or vomiting
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Sensitivity to light or noise
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Memory problems
Concussion symptoms can manifest immediately or develop gradually over hours or days, making awareness essential for early intervention (CDC, 2021).
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Concussion Diagnosis and Testing.
Diagnosing a concussion typically involves a thorough physical examination and neurological tests. Healthcare professionals may use the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) to evaluate symptoms and cognitive function. In some cases, imaging tests such as a CT scan may be conducted to rule out more severe brain injuries (McCrory et al., 2017).
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Concussion Recovery is an Active Process.
​Concussion treatment and management can vary dependant on the individual. Swelling in the brain, a lack of energy and blood supply can cause symptoms to last for days, weeks and even months. The faster you act and engage with the recovery process the more brain cells you will save. You can do a lot to limit the brain damage and stall the cascade of chemical changes in your brain, the sooner you act the better.
Treatment for a concussion primarily involves rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Monitoring symptoms is critical, and healthcare professionals may recommend cognitive rest and limited physical exertion during recovery.
Who is at risk of a concussion?
62 million people get knocked out every year but 90% of reported concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness.
Unintentional falls claim 50% of the total followed by sports and the military.
HEADS UP!
You must avoid repeat injury. Exposure of the initial injury to subsequent large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neuroinflammation will cause already stressed cells to be tipped over the edge and die. Avoid risks to additional head injuries at all cost.
What Can You Do?
'Using targeted nutrition is a critical factor to recovering from a head injury and repairing neurons. The faster you act the more neurons you will save.'
Dr Kabran Chapek (Amen Clinics)
CONKA’s products are designed to support brain health and cognitive function, making them ideal for athletes recovering from concussions. Our drinkable daily shots contain essential nutrients that promote brain recovery and enhance cognitive performance, helping athletes return to their optimal state more quickly.
What can you take for a concussion?
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Professionally stacked nootropic supplement is best
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Find off the shelf nootropics:
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Omega 3 Fish Oils
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Turmeric
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Creatine
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Green Tea
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Vitamin D
What to avoid with a concussion?
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Contact Sports
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Activities that spike symptoms
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High Sugar Diet
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Stress - mentally and physically
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Bright lights, noise
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Excessive use of screens
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Strong pain medication
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Alcohol
What to do during concussion recovery?
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Ketogenic Diet: The brain wants a high amounts of good fat and low carbohydrate in a venerable state.
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Sleep: conduct a healthy regular sleep pattern
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Your Neurological examination should include:
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CBC - Cognition Balance and Coordination
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VOMS - Vestibular Oculo-Motor System, a tool designed to test integrated vision, balance, movement
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BCT - Baseline Cognitive Testing Brain Imaging
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Brain Imaging - if your concussion was severe
If you suspect a concussion, seek medical attention immediately. At CONKA, we are committed to providing resources and supplements that support brain health and recovery.
References
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Cantu, R. C. (2018). "Concussion management: A clinical perspective." Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America.
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CDC (2021). "Heads Up: Concussion in Sports." Retrieved from CDC Website
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Hunt, T., et al. (2020). "Concussion in sports: A review of the literature." Journal of Sports Medicine.
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McCrory, P., et al. (2017). "Consensus statement on concussion in sport: The 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin, October 2016." British Journal of Sports Medicine.
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Nindl, B. C., et al. (2017). "Concussion in athletes: the importance of detection and management." American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.