According to research presented at a recent AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Annual Meeting, damage to the brain can actually last for decades after the original head trauma. Even when symptoms of a concussion appear to have gone away, the brain is still not yet back to 100% normal function. This is why so many people suffer from the long-term effects of a concussion throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, it’s very easy not to take a brain injury very seriously because often symptoms will dissipate and it seems like no big deal. However, the lingering effects of concussion that has not been properly treated are devastating. Many athletes show signs of symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease and even Alzheimer’s disease 30 years after their brain injury. It’s especially dangerous to those athletes who return to their sport too soon after a brain injury and suffer another head trauma. These athletes are at an increased risk for serious brain damage.
This all goes to show that a traumatic brain injury or concussion should not be taken lightly. Even if symptoms appear to have dissipated, it’s important to make sure that the brain is functioning optimally. The first step is to find the right practitioner to work with. A chiropractic neurologist can definitely help as they have specialized training in brain function and neurology.
They begin all brain rehabilitation by determining exactly where damage has occurred and what types of imbalances are taking place. This is done through comprehensive testing that includes a complete neurological evaluation. After analyzing the results, your practitioner can recommend brain-based therapies that will benefit your specific condition. These cutting edge therapies are designed to help restore the connections in your brain that were damaged due to trauma.
Brain rehabilitation can improve overall brain function, reduce swelling of neurons and reduce the long term symptoms and side effects that many people suffer with. As you gain your functionality back, you will begin to feel better and more like yourself again. Be sure to seek help right away if you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury.