Welcome to Axon Integrative Health’s Concussion Rehab Program in Denver, Colorado! Our specialized program focuses on optimizing brain, body, and mind through evidence-based modalities that facilitate healing, decrease inflammation, stimulate cellular health, and encourage neuroplasticity.
Concussions are a prevalent concern in today’s fast-paced world. With millions of sports-related concussions occurring annually, understanding concussion care and management is essential for both athletes and non-athletes alike. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the symptoms, emergency signs, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, prevention, and outlook for concussion care.
Symptoms
A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), occurs when the brain is subjected to sudden force, causing it to move within the skull. This can result in a range of symptoms, which may be experienced immediately or develop gradually over time. Common concussion symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory loss or difficulty remembering recent events
- Difficulty concentrating or processing information
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Emergency Symptoms
In some cases, a concussion may be accompanied by more severe symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. These emergency symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness, even if brief
- Seizures or convulsions
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Inability to recognize familiar people or places
- Unusual or increasing agitation or restlessness
We Reduce and Remove:
- Headaches/ Migraines
- Dizziness
- Visual Disturbances
- Brain Fog
- Sleep Disturbances
- Brain Body Disconnect (not feeling yourself)
Call our office if you are experiencing any of these symptoms 720-994-2966
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a concussion typically involves a thorough evaluation by one of our experienced doctors at Axon Health. This may include:
- A detailed history of the injury and symptoms
- A physical and neurological examination
- Assessment of cognitive function, such as memory and concentration
- A comprehensive battery of diagnostic tests including Buffaloe Concussion Tredmill Test, Computerized Balance Test, RightEye Oculomotor test, and a computerized neuro cognitive assessment
Concussion Treatments at Axon Health
At Axon Integrative Health’s Concussion Rehab Program in Denver, Colorado, we offer a comprehensive approach to concussion rehab, including a range of evidence-based treatment options:
- Chiropractic care: Stimulating neural pathways, initiating immune responses, and increasing endogenous opiates can help alleviate symptoms.
- Neuromodulation: Stimulating the brain and promoting healing
- Red light/laser therapy: Promoting cellular health and reducing inflammation
- Corrective exercise: Helping patients regain strength, balance, and coordination
- Sensory-motor integrations: Enhancing the brain’s ability to process sensory information and perform motor tasks
- Neuromuscular reeducation: Retraining the brain and body to work together more effectively
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: hyper saturate the brain body with oxygen to heal and perform.
- IV infusions: Providing essential nutrients and vitamins to support healing and recovery
- Functional medicine: Identifying and addressing underlying imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to concussion symptoms
These powerful modalities work together to optimize brain, body, and mind, facilitating healing, decreasing inflammation, stimulating cellular health, and encouraging neuroplasticity. By combining these treatment options, we empower patients to take control of their recovery and achieve optimal health and wellness.
Prevention
While not all concussions can be prevented, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:
- Strengthen neck muscles: Strong neck muscles may help to stabilize the head during impact, potentially reducing the force transmitted to the brain. Incorporate exercises targeting neck muscles into your regular fitness routine.
- Improving Peripheral Vision: to see the environment and prepare for contact, or move to avoid it.
These are the only two true ways to decrease risk of concussions.
The following methods could potentially help prevent the escalation of an injury into a more severe condition:
- Wear appropriate protective gear: In sports and recreational activities, wearing helmets and other safety equipment designed for the specific activity can help protect against head injuries. Remember: helmets prevent skull fractures – they do not and cannot prevent the brain from moving within the skull
- Follow safety rules and guidelines: Adhering to safety regulations, such as traffic laws and sports-specific rules, can minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Practice good sportsmanship: Encourage fair play and respect for opponents to reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior that may lead to head injuries.
- Educate yourself and others: Raising awareness about concussion prevention, recognition, and management is crucial in reducing the occurrence and impact of these injuries.
It is imperative that you get a proper evaluation from a Concussion Specialist as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of injury. The evidence shows the longer you wait before getting checked there is a resulting exponential increase in recovery time. Don’t wait, see us as soon as possible and get back to the field, mountains, or office!
Avoid the use of the Q-Collar
This is a new device that is “FDA Cleared” not “FDA Approved” They claim to reduce concussions by compressing your veins coming out of the head thus pooling blood in the brain allowing for a cushion. This is actually more harmful than good, and does nothing to decrease the likelihood of concussion. It will however, increase your risk of having a cerebro-vasular event – such as an ischemic stroke, or brain bleed.
Outlook
The prognosis for concussion recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. Most people recover fully within a few weeks, but some may experience lingering symptoms known as post-concussion syndrome. This condition can last for months or even years in some cases, necessitating ongoing care and support.
In general, early intervention and adherence to the recommended treatment plan are critical factors in promoting a successful recovery. Additionally, taking steps to prevent further head injuries is essential, as repeated concussions can have cumulative effects on brain health.
Concussion Care in Denver
Concussion care is an essential aspect of integrative health, as it encompasses a wide range of treatment modalities tailored to the individual’s needs. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and appropriate management strategies, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their brain health and promote optimal recovery. At Axon Integrative Health, our compassionate team of doctors is committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care to support your journey towards healing.
We invite you to visit Axon Integrative Health to learn more about our holistic approach to concussion care and explore the range of services we offer. Our experienced staff is here to provide guidance, support, and expertise in managing concussions and other health concerns. With a focus on patient-centered care, we aim to empower you to make informed decisions about your wellbeing and achieve optimal health outcomes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and discover how Axon Integrative Health can be your trusted partner in the journey towards healing and lasting wellness.
