Concussion relief. 8 Natural Remedies for Post-Concussion Syndrome: Effective Relief Without Medication

30.08.202310.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the most effective natural remedies for post-concussion syndrome. How can cognitive and physical therapies help with concussion recovery. Which diet and supplements are beneficial for healing the brain after a concussion. Can meditation, herbal teas, and aromatherapy provide relief from concussion symptoms. What role do music therapy and acupuncture play in natural concussion treatment.

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Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome and Its Challenges

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition that can persist long after the initial head injury. While many doctors recommend rest and medication, these approaches often fall short in addressing the root causes of lingering symptoms. Up to 30% of concussion patients do not recover without proper treatment, leaving them searching for effective alternatives to manage their condition.

The challenges of post-concussion syndrome stem from several factors:

Dysfunctional neurovascular coupling in the injured brain
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction (dysautonomia)
Vision and vestibular dysfunction
Hormonal imbalances

These underlying issues can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, and sensory sensitivities. While medication may provide temporary relief, it often fails to address the root causes of PCS and can come with unwanted side effects.

Cognitive and Physical Therapies: Harnessing the Brain’s Natural Healing Power

One of the most promising natural approaches to treating post-concussion syndrome is through targeted cognitive and physical therapies. These therapies aim to leverage the brain’s innate ability to heal and adapt, a process known as neuroplasticity.

Cognitive Rehabilitation Exercises

Cognitive rehabilitation exercises are designed to target specific areas of brain function affected by the concussion. These may include:

Memory training
Attention and concentration exercises
Problem-solving tasks
Visual processing activities

By consistently engaging in these exercises, patients can help rewire neural pathways and improve cognitive function over time.

Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing balance issues, dizziness, and other physical symptoms associated with PCS. Vestibular rehabilitation, in particular, focuses on exercises that improve the communication between the inner ear, eyes, and brain to restore proper balance and spatial awareness.

How effective are these therapies in treating post-concussion syndrome? Studies have shown that combination of cognitive and physical therapies can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life for PCS patients. At specialized clinics like Cognitive FX, up to 95% of patients experience statistically verified restoration of brain function after undergoing natural therapy programs.

Nutrition for Brain Health: The Role of Diet in Concussion Recovery

The foods we eat play a crucial role in brain health and recovery. A brain-healthy diet can provide the nutrients necessary for healing and reduce inflammation, which is often elevated following a concussion.

Key Nutrients for Brain Recovery

Several nutrients are particularly important for brain health and concussion recovery:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds
Antioxidants: Abundant in colorful fruits and vegetables
B vitamins: Present in whole grains, lean meats, and leafy greens
Magnesium: Found in nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate
Zinc: Present in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds

What specific dietary changes can help with post-concussion syndrome? Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet while reducing processed foods, sugar, and inflammatory substances like alcohol can support brain healing and potentially alleviate symptoms.

The Mediterranean Diet for Concussion Recovery

The Mediterranean diet, known for its brain-boosting properties, is often recommended for individuals recovering from concussions. This diet emphasizes:

Plenty of fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Lean proteins, especially fish
Healthy fats like olive oil and avocados
Limited red meat and processed foods

By following a Mediterranean-style eating plan, PCS patients may experience improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and better overall brain health.

Supplements for Post-Concussion Syndrome: Natural Support for Brain Function

While a healthy diet forms the foundation of nutritional support for concussion recovery, certain supplements may offer additional benefits. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially after a head injury.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 supplements, particularly those containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have shown promise in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation after concussion. These fatty acids are essential for maintaining cell membrane integrity and promoting neurotransmitter function.

Curcumin

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest that curcumin supplementation may help reduce inflammation in the brain and support cognitive function in PCS patients.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a crucial role in neurological function and may be depleted following a concussion. Supplementing with magnesium could potentially help with symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk and severity of concussion symptoms. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation may support overall brain health and recovery.

How effective are these supplements in treating post-concussion syndrome? While research is ongoing, many patients report improvements in symptoms when incorporating these supplements into their recovery plan. However, individual responses can vary, and it’s essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate supplement regimen for your specific needs.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Calming the Post-Concussion Brain

Meditation and mindfulness practices have gained recognition as powerful tools for managing various aspects of post-concussion syndrome, particularly symptoms related to stress, anxiety, and cognitive overload.

Benefits of Meditation for PCS

Regular meditation practice can offer several benefits for individuals recovering from a concussion:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved focus and concentration
Better sleep quality
Enhanced emotional regulation
Decreased pain perception

Mindfulness Techniques for Symptom Management

Various mindfulness techniques can be particularly helpful for managing specific PCS symptoms:

Body scan meditation for physical tension and pain
Breath awareness for managing anxiety and stress
Loving-kindness meditation for emotional well-being
Mindful movement practices like gentle yoga or tai chi for balance and coordination

How can PCS patients incorporate meditation into their recovery routine? Starting with short, guided meditations and gradually increasing practice duration can help build a sustainable habit. Many smartphone apps and online resources offer guided meditations specifically designed for individuals recovering from brain injuries.

Herbal Teas and Aromatherapy: Natural Approaches to Symptom Relief

Herbal teas and aromatherapy offer gentle, natural approaches to managing various symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome. While not a substitute for medical treatment, these remedies can complement other therapies and provide soothing relief.

Beneficial Herbal Teas for PCS

Several herbal teas may help alleviate common PCS symptoms:

Chamomile: Known for its calming properties, may help with anxiety and sleep issues
Peppermint: Can aid in relieving headaches and nausea
Ginger: May help with dizziness and nausea
Lemon balm: Potentially beneficial for improving mood and cognitive function
Green tea: Contains L-theanine, which may promote relaxation and focus

Aromatherapy for Symptom Management

Certain essential oils, when used properly, may offer relief from PCS symptoms:

Lavender: Known for its calming effects, may help with sleep and anxiety
Peppermint: Can be helpful for headaches and mental fatigue
Rosemary: May improve cognitive function and memory
Frankincense: Potentially beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation

How should PCS patients use herbal teas and aromatherapy safely? It’s important to start with small amounts and monitor for any adverse reactions. Some individuals may be sensitive to strong scents or herbal preparations, especially after a concussion. Always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating new herbal remedies into your recovery plan.

Music Therapy: Harmonizing Brain Function After Concussion

Music therapy has emerged as a promising natural treatment for post-concussion syndrome, offering potential benefits for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

The Science Behind Music and Brain Recovery

Research has shown that music can have profound effects on the brain, including:

Stimulating multiple areas of the brain simultaneously
Promoting neuroplasticity and the formation of new neural connections
Regulating neurotransmitters involved in mood and cognition
Reducing stress and inflammation in the brain

Music Therapy Techniques for PCS

Various music therapy approaches can be beneficial for individuals recovering from a concussion:

Rhythmic auditory stimulation for improving gait and motor coordination
Music-based cognitive rehabilitation exercises
Songwriting and music creation for emotional expression and processing
Guided music listening for relaxation and stress reduction
Musical mnemonics training for memory enhancement

How can PCS patients incorporate music therapy into their recovery? Working with a certified music therapist can provide structured, targeted interventions. However, even simple activities like listening to calming music, playing an instrument, or singing can offer benefits. It’s important to be mindful of volume levels and avoid overstimulation, especially in the early stages of recovery.

Acupuncture and Dry Needling: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Recovery

Acupuncture and dry needling are alternative therapies that have shown promise in managing various symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome. While they stem from different traditions, both involve the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and alleviate symptoms.

Acupuncture for PCS Symptom Relief

Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, may offer benefits for PCS patients, including:

Reduced headache frequency and intensity
Improved sleep quality
Decreased anxiety and depression
Enhanced overall well-being and quality of life

Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Issues

Dry needling, a more recent technique based on Western medical principles, can be particularly helpful for addressing musculoskeletal pain and tension often associated with PCS:

Relieving neck and shoulder tension
Reducing headaches stemming from muscular issues
Improving range of motion and flexibility
Enhancing blood flow to affected areas

How effective are acupuncture and dry needling for post-concussion syndrome? While research is ongoing, many patients report significant improvements in symptoms after undergoing these treatments. It’s important to work with experienced, licensed practitioners who understand the unique considerations of treating individuals with brain injuries.

When considering acupuncture or dry needling, PCS patients should be aware of potential risks and contraindications. These techniques may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with bleeding disorders or certain medical conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Integrating Natural Remedies into a Comprehensive Recovery Plan

While these natural remedies offer promising options for managing post-concussion syndrome, it’s crucial to approach recovery holistically. A comprehensive treatment plan should consider:

Individual symptom profiles and severity
Underlying causes of persistent symptoms
Potential interactions between different therapies
The need for ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment strategies

Working with healthcare providers experienced in concussion management can help ensure that natural remedies are integrated safely and effectively into your overall recovery plan.

The Importance of Patience and Persistence

Recovery from post-concussion syndrome is often a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Natural remedies may take time to show their full effects, and what works for one individual may not be as effective for another. Keeping a symptom diary and regularly communicating with your healthcare team can help track progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment approach.

Empowering Patients Through Education and Self-Advocacy

Understanding the science behind post-concussion syndrome and available treatment options empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery. By exploring natural remedies and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with PCS can develop personalized strategies for managing symptoms and improving their quality of life.

As research in the field of concussion recovery continues to evolve, new natural therapies and treatment approaches may emerge. Staying informed about the latest developments and being open to trying evidence-based natural remedies can offer hope and new avenues for healing for those struggling with persistent post-concussion symptoms.

Best Natural Remedies for Post-Concussion Syndrome

Concussions

Education & Resources

Post Concussion Treatment

Healthy Food & Habits

Many doctors’ first response to a concussion is to recommend resting in a dark room until symptoms go away. And if that doesn’t work (and it won’t for up to 30% of post-concussion patients), their next step is often to prescribe medications for the symptoms that haven’t gone away.

But medications aren’t a good solution for most concussion patients. What if you don’t want to spend the rest of your life on ten different meds, some of which have side effects and long-term risks? Or what if you have a really bad reaction to the medication and can’t take it?

Medication after a head injury is complex. It’s not not a complete solution to patients’ problems because it doesn’t address the injury itself; the best medication can do is mask your symptoms.

After you’ve had a head injury, you have a higher risk of adverse reactions to medication. Even if that’s not a problem, finding the right medication for each symptom is difficult.

There aren’t many medications for cognitive symptoms that result from a brain injury (such as brain fog, trouble with decisions, or cognitive overload). The standard medications for treating headaches or mood issues often have side effects that worsen other post-concussion symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive issues, vision problems, and mood changes. And once you’re medicating other systems (such as nausea, digestive issues, or blood pressure), that’s a lot of potential drug interactions and side effects to juggle.

While the occasional medication may be your best move, there are natural ways to handle post-concussion syndrome — both the symptoms and the root cause. Patients who come to our post-concussion syndrome treatment clinic, Cognitive FX, tell us how relieved they are to know there are non-pharmacological ways to approach lasting post-concussion recovery.

In this post, we discuss eight natural remedies for post-concussion symptoms we’ve used ourselves or recommended to our patients:

Cognitive and physical therapies that leverage the natural healing power of your brain.
What diet will help your brain the most.
Which supplements to try.
How meditation can help.
Some herbal teas and which symptoms they relieve.
When aromatherapy makes sense.
The power of music in recovery.
What dry needling and acupuncture can help with.

If you have lingering symptoms from a concussion, you’re not alone. As many as 30% of concussion patients do not recover without treatment. 95% of our patients experience statistically verified restoration of brain function after natural therapy at our clinic. To learn if you’re eligible for the program, schedule a consultation.

Note: Any data relating to brain function mentioned in this post is from our first generation fNCI scans. Gen 1 scans compared activation in various regions of the brain with a control database of healthy brains. Our clinic is now rolling out second-generation fNCI which looks both at the activation of individual brain regions and at the connections between brain regions. Results are interpreted and reported differently for Gen 2 than for Gen 1; reports will not look the same if you come into the clinic for treatment.

Eight Natural Remedies for Post-Concussion Syndrome

Persistent symptoms of a concussion stem from one or more of the following causes:

Dysfunctional neurovascular coupling in the injured brain (in short, miscommunication between neurons and the blood vessels that supply them with the resources they need to function at their best).
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, aka dysautonomia (a common complication after brain injury that can affect almost any organ system in your body, from lungs to heart to gastrointestinal tract).
Vision and vestibular dysfunction (communication problems in the systems your body uses to see and determine its position in space).
Hormonal imbalances.

While there may be other issues (especially if you sustained any physical damage to the brain or neck), these are the ones we see most often when patients come to our clinic. Hormonal imbalances may need to be treated with hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), but the others — brain dysfunction, dysautonomia, vision problems, and vestibular problems — can all be treated naturally with therapy and homeopathic remedies.

Of all the eight remedies we discuss in this post, the first — cognitive and physical therapy — is the most critical to your recovery.

#1: Cognitive and Physical Therapy

Our brains have a natural ability to heal called neuroplasticity. It can build new pathways around damaged tissue and responds well to the right kinds of therapy.

Some people wonder: If the brain has the ability to fix itself, at least to a certain extent, then why do we need therapy at all?

The problem is that the brain doesn’t always choose a better configuration of neural pathways than before. You can train your brain to have less efficient pathways or more efficient pathways. For people who suffer from lingering symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI), the brain is “stuck” using worse pathways than before their injury.

The good news is that those pathways are not fixed in stone. Many talented researchers have uncovered ways to prompt the brain to heal with the right combinations of therapy. At Cognitive FX, we employ these therapies in various combinations to help the brain heal itself using neuroplasticity after a brain injury:

Physical therapy.
Massage therapy.
Cognitive therapy.
Occupational therapy.
Sensorimotor therapy.
Vision therapy.
Vestibular therapy.
Neurointegrative therapy.
Psychotherapy.

We tailor the exact mix of therapy to the needs of each patient’s brain. How? Using a type of functional MRI — the fNCI scan — we can “see” which brain regions were affected by your injury and in what way, based on blood flow in each brain region. That gives us more information to pick the right mix of therapies for recovery.

Our patients complete these therapies after cardio exercise because of something called the post-exercise cognitive boost (PECB). Exercise is a natural way to send a surge of helpful neurochemicals through your brain, preparing it to better respond to the multidisciplinary therapies we use throughout the day.

This approach works. On follow up fNCI scans, 95% of our patients show statistically verified restoration of brain function after treatment. On average, patients improve by 75% after one week of post-concussion treatment. They self-report an average symptom improvement of 60% (and that’s while they are actively pushing their brains to the limit each day!).

When it comes to natural recovery from post-concussion syndrome, multidisciplinary therapy can’t be beat. It’s the only approach that directly targets the cause of your symptoms rather than masking them.

While doing these therapies individually (such as just vision therapy, or just occupational therapy) can be helpful, it is far more impactful to do multiple therapies in a short time span. For example, our patient Sam tried multiple treatment options that included physical and vestibular therapy before coming to Cognitive FX. But because our program used multidisciplinary therapies tailored for her brain, she made the recovery she wasn’t able to make at other clinics.

That said, you can help your body through the healing process with the other seven remedies we’ve listed below.

#2: A Brain-Friendly Diet

One of the best ways to speed up your recovery time (and keep caring for your brain for years to come) is by eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in the nutrients your brain and nervous system need to function at their best.

We’ve written a whole post about post-concussion nutrition that you can read here, but here are the highlights:

Drink enough water. Out of all our nutrition-related recommendations, this one is the most important. Your brain absolutely must have enough water for you to feel and function better. Here’s a way to calculate how much you need:

Let’s say you weigh 220 lbs. That means you need 110 oz per day — almost a gallon of water! Most people don’t drink that much water per day; if you’re struggling, buy a large water bottle (at least 24 oz) and bring it wherever you go, so you remember to keep drinking.

Choose foods that have the nutrients your brain needs. It’s always better to eat regularly than not at all, so the best food to eat is the food you can get. But if you can make some healthier choices, here’s an infographic to help you decide what to buy:

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish, olive oil, and nuts) are especially important for your brain. If you’re not able to get enough omega-3’s from your diet, consider a fish oil supplement.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both alcohol and caffeine may have detrimental effects on your recovery. You can read more about that (and when it’s safe to resume drinking them) here. That said, if you were drinking caffeine before your injury, try not to change your intake drastically. It’s better to continue drinking the same amount and slowly decrease over time than to force your brain to adjust to a major change.

Avoid artificial sweeteners. While processed sugar is not good for your brain, sweeteners like aspartame and stevia are even worse because they trick your brain into thinking you’ve consumed calories when you haven’t. Instead, opt for low glycemic, natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. These sweeteners are not inflammatory and are gentler on your body.

#3: Vitamins and Other Supplements

A healthy diet is the best source of vitamins and antioxidants. But you may have vitamin deficiencies that require supplementation. Even subclinical (i. e., not low enough to be flagged on a blood test as deficient) levels of these vitamins can result in physical and mental fatigue. That said, you should still work with your doctor to determine which supplements you need and how much you should take, as it is possible to overdose on vitamins.

These are the most important vitamins for brain health:

Magnesium: A key ingredient in nerve transmissions; helps regulate blood pressure and heart health.
Iron: Needed to deliver enough oxygen to your brain and body
Vitamin B12 (folate): Helps with energy levels overall; needed for well-functioning memory.
Vitamin C: Supports the immune system; used to make neurotransmitters along with connective tissue throughout the body; is an antioxidant.
Vitamin D: Needed for general wellness; bolsters the immune system; may improve mental health.
Vitamin E: Has a protective effect against mild cognitive impairment and dementia; helps with good vision; is an antioxidant.
Zinc: Is widely used throughout the body; necessary for nerve function; plays a role in wound healing.

Additionally, there are a few supplements you may want to consider:

Curcumin, which is a compound in turmeric, is anti-inflammatory when taken with a small amount of black pepper. If you have reason to believe your body is suffering from inflammation (such as in the days after your brain injury or if you’re having gastrointestinal symptoms), it may help. You can find curcumin supplements or just cook with turmeric more often.

Melatonin is a good supplement to consider if you’re having trouble sleeping after head trauma. Melatonin is a hormone your body makes when it’s time to sleep. Taking a small amount at bedtime may help you sleep through the night.

Creatine may have some benefit, but we need more research to determine exactly how beneficial it is and at what dose. One study shows some positive effect on cognitive health in older populations, and preliminary studies show it may be beneficial for those suffering from the long-term symptoms associated with TBI.

#4: Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can help with a few aspects of post-concussion syndrome:

Relaxing your brain when it gets overwhelmed.
Calming the autonomic nervous system.
Reducing the severity of post-concussion anxiety.

The human brain has several named brain wave patterns. Meditation, when performed correctly, encourages more alpha and theta brain waves. This helps your brain take a break from all the stimulation it gets each day from conversations, lights, noise, activities, decisions, and so forth.

Alpha waves have the unique property of being able to “entrain” neighboring neuron clusters, so it’s a quick way to let the waves of relaxation wash over your brain, so to speak. This allows the brain to rest and recover from stress. It’s why meditation is so effective for brain injury patients and for those struggling with mental illness.

But not everyone is good at meditation. An alternative is to use a Brainwaves app to induce alpha waves (we recommend an 8 hz setting). While it’s not a “natural” remedy per se, it is patterned after the natural way your brain rests.

These apps put a different frequency in each ear that your brain averages to the desired wavelength. It’s a quick way to get alpha waves without being an expert at meditation. We use the Brain Wave™ 35 Binaural Series app in our clinic.

#5: Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are a good way to relax the autonomic nervous system, improve sleep quality, boost cognition, and combat a few other common symptoms of concussion. While traditional teas (such as green tea and black tea) have caffeine, most herbal teas are caffeine free. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure your tea doesn’t have any negative interactions with your current medications.

Here are a few caffeine-free herbal teas that post-concussion patients may find helpful (read more about them in this list):

Chamomile: May fight inflammation, help you sleep better, and lessen diarrhea.
Ginger: May relieve nausea, fight inflammation, and help with stomach pain.
Lemon balm: May combat anxiety, reduce heart palpitations, and improve memory.
Passionflower: May relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Peppermint: May relieve stomach pain, nausea, cramping, and muscle spasms, especially in the digestive tract.
Rose hip: May fight inflammation and reduce inflammation-related pain.
Sage: May improve cognitive function, including mood and memory.

Some of these herbs may be more effective as an extract, but do not take them in this manner without supervision from a health care professional.

#6: Aromatherapy

After a brain injury, aromatherapy may be a good option to help you relax. But, it may also cause overstimulation, so you’ll need to learn your own limits. If anything you use aggravates your symptoms, don’t use it.

There isn’t much evidence for the medicinal value of essential oils, but diffusers and lotions may help you relax and reduce pain, especially when combined with massage. If it helps you overcome muscle stiffness, sleep better (lavender and chamomile are especially potent here), or suffer less from dysautonomia, then it’s worth a try.

#7: Music

Music may aid your recovery in a few ways.

Listening to calming music can help reduce your stress levels and calm the autonomic nervous system. If you struggle to focus on your work or studies, then playlists of “lofi” music, “relaxing” video game or soundtrack music (such as The Legend of Zelda), or recordings of nature sounds (such as running streams or ocean waves) may help you focus.

Playing music has a different benefit. Learning a new instrument — or deepening your expertise in one you already know — will help engage your brain’s neuroplasticity and further your recovery efforts. Just be careful about doing too much too soon: If learning the instrument brings on headaches or worsens other symptoms, save it for later in your recovery journey.

Finally, dancing to music — especially if you’re learning a mode of dance you haven’t tried before — is an excellent aid to the brain. It requires physical coordination and mental activity at the same time and, like learning an instrument, boosts neuroplasticity. Ballroom dance is a great place to start, but even free-styling in your living room to your favorite song is good for your health. (But if you’ve had dizziness or vertigo, make sure you have someone spot you until you’re more recovered.)

#8: Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Acupuncture isn’t a cure-all for mild traumatic brain injury, but it can be helpful for specific symptoms. Western acupuncture has been shown to be at least as effective as traditional medication in treating headaches. It may reduce inflammation, and it’s also an effective treatment for neck pain. There are no robust studies showing efficacy beyond the placebo effect for other post-concussion symptoms.

Dry needling, which is a technique similar to acupuncture that can be practiced by physical therapists (in some but not all states), can be helpful for relieving muscle tension and headaches.

You can learn more about acupuncture, dry needling, and when they’re helpful in this post.

This is an especially useful option for car accident victims who experienced whiplash. They often have neck pain and stiffness that may be more persistent than what some other concussion patients experience.

Want a Comprehensive Plan for Concussion Recovery?

Recovering from post-concussion syndrome is possible, but it takes a good recovery plan. While you may never feel 100% like your old self, a good treatment plan will significantly reduce your symptoms and enable you to work, go to school, play sports, and more.

If you want the most effective, evidence-based, multidisciplinary treatment available for post-concussion syndrome, sign up for a consultation with our team. We’ll help you determine if you’re eligible for our treatment program and what your next steps should be.

Concussion Treatment: 7 Natural Ways to Boost Recovery

Millions of people in the United States suffer from a concussion each year due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, assault and taking part in sports. With lawsuits pending against the NFL and NHL over the long-term consequences of multiple concussions, athletes are considered the most at risk, particularly if they participate in football, hockey, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, wrestling, boxing or cycling.

A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is called a concussion. This injury typically occurs due to a blunt force trauma; however, a penetrating trauma can cause concussions too. A concussion happens when the brain bounces inside the skull; this can cause contusions, bruising and even bleeding. A thorough examination and monitoring are necessary first steps in concussion treatment, or after any head trauma. The first 24 hours after the injury are crucial. (2)

1. Sleep and Rest. It takes time for the brain to heal after a concussion. In addition to physical rest and plenty of sleep, the brain needs to be mentally rested as well. For that reason, reading, playing video games, using the computer or another device should be avoided until all concussion symptoms are gone. Reintroduce technology slowly and if any symptoms occur, discontinue immediately. (8, 9)

2. Light Exercise. As mentioned above, in the immediate days following a brain injury, rest is an imperative part of concussion treatment, and following doctor’s orders is recommended. However, a new study shows that there may be a benefit to adding light activity sooner than originally believed, particularly for children and adolescents. The study looked at over 3,000 students with acute concussions and found that activity within seven days is associated with a reduced risk of persistent postconcussive symptoms. (10)

3. Fish Oil. In a study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, researchers found that fish oil supplements may speed healing for those with concussions and other mild TBIs. The researchers encourage further investigation and trials to understand the mechanisms behind using fish oil supplements as a therapy and even preventive measure for sports-related brain injuries. While fish oil is considered safe, if there is any sign of bleeding on the brain, do not take fish oil as it may cause excessive bleeding. (12)

4. Creatine. In a study published in the journal Acta Paediatrica, researchers suggest that supplementing with creatine after the diagnosis of a concussion improves several concussion symptoms including amnesia, headache, dizziness and fatigue. The study included children from 1 to 18 years of age, with each child receiving 0.4 grams of creatine for every kilogram of weight. Researchers urge further double-blind studies to determine the role in recovery and the prevention of traumatic brain injury complications. (13)

6. Consume more Antioxidant-Rich Foods. A study published in the journal Surgical Neurology International found “encouraging results” in the neuroprotective properties of natural compounds in the treatment of concussions and TBIs. Some of the top compounds highlighted in this review are the antioxidant powerhouses mentioned above, including turmeric and creatine, as well as resveratrol and green tea. (17)

7. Drink Caffeine. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Critical Care department have found that caffeine has neuroprotective qualities in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism indicates that higher caffeine levels are associated with more favorable outcomes in the six months following a brain injury. (18)

Research from around the world shows that coffee, for example, may promote longevity, fight depression, improve heart health and protect against some neurodegenerative diseases. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which are known to help reduce inflammation. For those with insomnia or other sleep disorders, consuming caffeine products like coffee and tea earlier in the day can help prevent unwanted sleepless nights. (19, 20)

The consequences of a concussion are fortunately not as severe as in other forms of TBI. There are no pronounced symptoms of dysfunction of the central nervous system. At the level of pathomorphology, only microcirculation disorders, edema of the substance and membranes of the brain can be detected. All these phenomena are not strongly expressed and are transient, that is, they end with a complete recovery. Other, more severe forms of TBI are accompanied by destruction of the brain substance and hemorrhages. They may be small, but their presence distinguishes such injuries from a concussion.

In order not to panic after any blow to the head or vice versa, to be able to distinguish a more serious injury (for example, a brain contusion) from a concussion, you need to know its signs. First, a concussion can only be suspected after a blow to the head or head. Shaking (for example, in transport), even strong, does not cause shaking. If there was still a blow, then you need to pay attention to the following points.

The brain is protected from damage by cerebrospinal fluid, which provides a fluid buffer that acts as a shock absorber in the event of a shock, fall, or other mechanical injury. In the event of a more severe injury to the head, face, or neck, the brain may move and, despite the protective fluid, may be injured. This leads to concussions, which cause temporary problems in the form of memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an increased need for sleep over a period of time.