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Concussion

Concussion

At Peak Brain & Body, we are committed to providing clear and compassionate care for those experiencing a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when a blow to the head or jolt to the body causes your brain to move rapidly back and forth inside your skull. This can affect how your brain works, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, mood changes, memory issues, and chronic fatigue.

 

Concussions can occur from various activities, including sports, recreational activities, falls, or car accidents. It’s important to note that only 10% of all concussions result in a loss of consciousness, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Even though it was once believed that everyone recovered, it’s estimated that nearly 50% are still struggling with symptoms a year down the road. This means that if you still have symptoms, it’s not necessarily a mental health issue and it can absolutely still be from the concussion.

 

Our team at Peak Brain & Body is dedicated to helping you through your recovery journey, offering personalized care and support to ensure you return to your daily activities safely and effectively.

Common Symptoms of a Concussion

A concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury, typically manifests through various symptoms which can be immediate or may develop over time.

Physical Symptoms:

  • Headache, which is often described as a ‘pressure in the head.’
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Dizziness or a feeling of being unsteady on your feet.
  • Blurred vision or seeing stars.
  • Sensitivity to light and noise.
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
  • Balance problems.

Cognitive Symptoms:

  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Feeling mentally ‘foggy’ or slowed down.
  • Problems with memory, particularly difficulty remembering new information or events surrounding the injury.
  • Feeling disoriented or confused.

Emotional Symptoms:

  • Irritability or unusual mood changes.
  • Feeling more emotional than usual, which may include sadness or anxiety.
  • Nervousness or anxiety without an apparent cause.

Sleep Symptoms:

  • Sleeping more than usual.
  • Trouble falling asleep.
  • Sleeping less than usual.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and some symptoms may appear immediately while others may develop or be noticed days after the injury. Also, symptoms can vary based on the severity of the concussion and the individual. Any head injury should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be sought to ensure proper diagnosis and management.

Factors That Contribute to a Concussion

Several factors can contribute to the likelihood and severity of a concussion:

 

  • Mechanism of Injury: The most direct cause of a concussion is a blow to the head. This can occur during sports (especially contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, and boxing), falls (common in children and the elderly), motor vehicle accidents, or physical assaults. The force of the impact plays a significant role in the severity of the concussion.
  • Velocity and Direction of Impact: The speed and angle at which the head is struck or moves can influence the risk and severity of a concussion. Rapid acceleration or deceleration, as seen in car accidents or high-impact sports, can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, increasing the risk of brain injury.
  • Previous Concussions: Individuals who have had concussions in the past are at a higher risk of experiencing subsequent concussions. Moreover, the effects of a new concussion can be more severe if a previous concussion occurred recently, a phenomenon known as “second-impact syndrome.”
  • Age and Gender: Research suggests that certain age groups, like children and adolescents, may be more susceptible to concussions and may take longer to recover. There is also emerging evidence that females may be more susceptible to concussions than males, possibly due to differences in neck strength and head mass.
  • Protective Equipment: The lack of or inadequate use of protective equipment, such as helmets in sports or seat belts in vehicles, can increase the risk of a concussion. However, it’s important to note that while such equipment can reduce the risk of severe head injuries, they cannot completely prevent concussions.
  • Physical Fitness and Strength: Individuals with stronger neck and core muscles may be at a somewhat reduced risk of concussion, as these muscles can help absorb and mitigate the forces that cause the brain to move within the skull.
  • Environmental Factors: Conditions such as playing on harder surfaces, poor lighting, or obstacles in the environment can increase the likelihood of accidents leading to concussions.

Recognizing these factors is crucial for both preventing concussions and understanding the context in which they occur. It’s always important to seek medical attention after a significant blow to the head or body that could potentially cause a concussion.

TESTIMONIALS

Our Patients Say

“At our dedicated doctor’s office, we take immense pride in the care and service we provide to our patients. Here, you can discover the genuine experiences and heartfelt feedback from those who have entrusted us with their health and well-being. These testimonials offer valuable insights into the compassionate and expert care that defines our practice. We are grateful for the trust our patients place in us and invite you to explore their stories, which reflect the exceptional standard of healthcare we aim to deliver every day.”

“I have known Dr. Spencer Zimmerman (Dr. Z) for over a decade and watched him fine-tune his incredibly detailed approach to overcoming disease and illness. He is not your average physician. In addition to continuing education seminars and conferences, he spends 100’s of hours annually…personally studying and researching the latest cutting-edge, in-depth medical science. He’s a seeker of truth and viable, usable, effective healing solutions. His approach to immunology and rapidly boosting the body’s innate ability to mobilize and defend itself…is novel and highly comprehensive.

Cory C.

Wow were my eyes opened by Dr. Z. I was suffering from daily migraines, neck, back, shoulder, hip pain, vision and hearing problems, and the list goes on. Dr. Z saved my life. No joke. He is super meticulous and very passionate about his work. He is very smart and forward thinking and researches all the time. He genuinely cares about his patients. He’s an amazing and very caring provider and I highly recommend him.

Amanda R.

“Dr. Spencer Zimmerman is phenomenal! In January I found out I have Lyme disease and along with that discovery, I found out that most traditional Doctors won’t/can’t help treat Lyme disease patients due to FDA restrictions. My only option appeared to be a Lyme specialist, which was going to cost enormous amounts of money because insurance doesn’t cover Lyme specialists. I felt hopeless. And that’s when I had the amazing fortune to come across Dr. Spencer Zimmerman. He gave me the hope I so desperately needed. He is very knowledgeable in regards to traditional medicine, but also homeopathic care as well.

Kensi E.

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