Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment of Brain Inflammation

When someone sustains a concussion, it triggers a series of events in the brain. One of these events is inflammation, which is part of the body’s immune response to the trauma of the concussion. This response is initially protective, but it can lead to prolonged symptoms if not properly treated. 

Understanding the Long Term Effects of Concussion

If the brain’s inflammation response is not treated, it can lead to secondary damage by continuing to produce inflammatory chemicals that disrupt normal brain function. This ongoing inflammation is often responsible for what’s known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which is characterized by symptoms like headaches, brain fog, depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, memory loss, and fatigue.

Functional Neurology’s Approach to Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment

Functional neurology takes a holistic approach to managing inflammation associated with PCS and supporting the brain's natural healing processes. By focusing on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and create new neural pathways—the skilled team at Neurohealth Services can help reduce inflammation and restore optimal brain function. 

Diagnostics

Virtual Reality (VR) Virtualis
The Virtualis serves as a diagnostic tool for concussion by measuring a patient's limits of stability and integrating somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems.

Video Nystagmography (VNG)
This technology detects vestibular and oculomotor abnormalities based on different types of eye movement. 

Treatment Tools

We use visual rehabilitation therapy and advanced, non-invasive brain and vestibular stimulation techniques to promote neuroplasticity. These activities help to "rewire" the brain, supporting recovery by encouraging new neural pathways that bypass damaged areas and reducing the brain's inflammatory response.

Gyrostim
Performing a range of challenges from this computer-controlled, multi-axis rotational chair can provide relief for symptoms associated with concussion, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions by helping to improve reaction time, balance, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.

Oculomotor Rehabilitation
We use vision therapy to treat the visual impairments associated with concussion, such as blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, pain, and difficulty reading and scanning. Vision therapy can include exercises and functional skill work designed to improve tracking, focus, depth perception, visual processing, and spatial awareness.
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Concentrated Oxygen Therapy
The body needs oxygen to heal damaged tissue, maintain brain function, and create energy. Patients who are struggling to recover from injuries may benefit from this treatment of concentrated oxygen delivery.​
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Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser)
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) helps repair damaged nerves, using wavelengths of light to increase cellular energy and stimulate cellular function. Improvements in cellular function help with the absorption of nutrients and protein-building.

Photobiomodulation
​When the body’s natural means of stimulating cell regrowth and repair are damaged, we use a therapy called photobiomodulation to create that stimulation. The Vielight device applies near-infrared light (NIR) energy that is converted to cellular energy that accelerates cell regeneration and healing.

Dietary Recommendations

You may have read our recent article about foods that stimulate neurological and digestive healing, and the impact of the gut biome on broader neurological imbalances. We often recommend anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like fish, berries, and turmeric, to reduce inflammation. Supplements with omega-3s, amino acids, curcumin, and prebiotics also have anti-inflammatory properties. We might also suggest limiting some foods shown to be inflammatory triggers.

​Take Control of Your Recovery Today
Managing inflammation is crucial to concussion treatment and recovery. By combining targeted visual and vestibular therapy and dietary interventions, the experienced team at Neurohealth Services helps patients reduce inflammation, accelerate neuroplasticity, and return to daily routines and activities with confidence. The first step is a free 10-minute phone consultation: call (317) 848-6000.