In NeuroAthletics, we deal with many topics that are important for athletes – but also for “normal” people. In addition to performance enhancement and injury prevention, one area plays a particularly important role: the treatment of concussions.
A concussion is often caused by a blow or rapid acceleration of the head, as occurs in soccer or in accidents. A so-called whiplash injury often occurs at the same time, as the symptoms are similar. It is not necessary (!) to lose consciousness in order to suffer severe symptoms. This is one of the reasonswhy so many head injuries go unrecognized and therefore untreated.
What happens in the event of a concussion?
Many people think that a concussion is a kind of “bruise” to the brain. However, this is not quite correct. A concussion is a functional injury – in other words, a disorder of how the nerve cells work, not how they look. Therefore, nothing can usually be seen on an MRI or CT scan. You can think of it more like a software error than “hardware damage”.
At the moment of impact, there is a violent shock or rotational movement in the brain. This stretches the nerve cells and disrupts their sheath. The following happens in fractions of a second: 1) Potassium leaves the cells 2) Calcium flows in 3) Messenger substances such as glutamate are released in large quantities.
This leads to an imbalance in the brain. To compensate for this, the brain needs a lot of energy. At the same time, the sugar metabolism drops and blood flow decreases. This “energy crisis” explains why those affected are often overwhelmed by even the smallest stimuli such as light, noise or screen work.
Concussion symptoms – why the diagnosis is so difficult
Since a concussion leaves no visible injury, the symptoms are the most important sign. Typical Concussion symptoms are:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Concentration problems
- Mood swings / mental problems
Due to the disruption of the autonomic nervous system (autonomic dysregulation), digestive problems often also occur. This affects the so-called gut-brain axis – the close connection between the brain and the digestive system.
Professional athletes also often have coordination and proprioception problems. These often lead to subsequent injuries such as ankle injuries or muscular problems. This is caused by impaired control in the brain stem, which leads to altered muscle activity. For these reasons, every head injury should be examined more closely.
Special tests can also provide information, for example:
- SCAT test (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) – a standardized screening for symptoms, balance, memory and cognitive functions
- Examination of eye movements and balance
- Muscle function tests or EMG measurements to detect activation problems
- Measurements of heart rate variability (HRV) to control the autonomic nervous system
- Stress tests (how well do you tolerate physical activity?)
What happens in the days that follow
Further problems can occur in the days and weeks following a concussion:
- Neurometabolic disorders (disturbed energy balance of the brain – the so-called “energy crisis”)
- Disorders of the autonomic nervous system that affect heartbeat, circulation and stress regulation
- in some cases also neuroinflammatory processes that can prolong recovery
If a concussion is not treated well during this time, these factors can significantly delay recovery. For this reason, a concussion specialist should be consulted at an early stage.
Concussion treatment – what really helps
For a long time, the rule was: absolute peace and quiet. Today we know that rest alone is not enough. After 24 to 48 hours of rest, it makes sense to gradually increase the load on the brain again – adapted to the symptoms. This allows the nervous system to regenerate better. Treatment is always individual. Depending on which systems are affected, different measures can help:
- Methods for regulating the autonomic nervous system
- Exercises for the eyes and balance system
- Therapy of the cervical spine
- Light, dosed endurance training (below the load limit).
- Specific movement and strength exercises to suit the neurological profile
In competitive sport in particular, it is crucial to consider these areas at an early stage. This is the only way not only to treat the symptoms of concussion, but also to prevent secondary injuries that can result from impaired coordination and altered muscle activity.
Conclusion
A concussion is real – even if you can’t see it on the pictures in hospital. It affects the function of the brain and can severely restrict everyday life. The good news: with the right, active therapy, recovery can be significantly improved.
👉 If you would like to find out more about NeuroAthletik in Bonn and the treatment of concussions, please contact us for a personal consultation.
