Concussion - The Lasting Impact on the Brain and Nervous System

Leading an active lifestyle, and participating in sports and physical activities is more than a pastime—it's a passion for as many of my clients. Whether you're a youth athlete, a weekend warrior, or a seasoned professional, concussions can happen to anyone, and therefore understanding the implications of concussions is crucial. Even minor head injuries can impact the brain and nervous system. Concussions don't just impact athletes' performance but also leaders' and high performers' daily lives.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body, leading to the brain moving rapidly within the skull. This movement can create chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretch and damage brain cells. Concussions can range from mild to severe, but even minor concussions should not be taken lightly, as they can significantly affect the brain and nervous system.

Symptoms of a Concussion

The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not appear immediately. They typically include:

Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
Temporary loss of consciousness
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
Dizziness or "seeing stars"
Ringing in the ears
Nausea or vomiting
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Appearing dazed
Fatigue

In some cases, symptoms may not manifest until hours or days after the injury. These can include:

Concentration and memory complaints
Irritability and other personality changes
Sensitivity to light and noise
Sleep disturbances
Psychological adjustment problems and depression
Disorders of taste and smell

Rehabilitation and Treatment

The most important concussion management is REST. This means not only physical rest but also cognitive rest.

Immediate Rest: After a concussion, it's essential to rest for at least 24-48 hours. Avoid physical activities and screen time.
Vision and Vestibular Therapy: Everybody, no matter how severe the concussion, needs to do visual and vestibular rehabilitation. Have your visual and vestibular system assessed and get a customized program for your needs. The specific exercises can help improve balance, reduce dizziness, and make sure that all systems function again independently and together.
Gradual Return to Activity: Slowly reintroduce physical activities under medical supervision. This often follows a step-wise protocol where each step must be completed symptom-free before progressing.
Cognitive Rest: Limit activities that require concentration and mental strain, such as reading, schoolwork, or video games. I suggest to my clients to wear yellow (computer) glasses when they are ready to use screens again. It will inhibit the blue light from the screen.
Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Supplements and Diet: With a concussion, brain chemicals are imbalanced. Hydration is key. Water, water, water! A high protein diet (meat not too much from dairy products) and supplementation It is highly recommended by me to every one of my clients. Magnesium, B12, zinc, Vitamine D with K, and Vitamine E are needed for a healthy recovery. Stay away from sugar and processed food. The best is to follow an antiinflammatory diet. Low gluten might be very helpful for some.
Cognitive Therapy: If cognitive symptoms persist, working with a neuropsychologist or speech therapist can be beneficial.

Challenges in Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation from a concussion can be challenging:

Variability in Symptoms: Concussions affect individuals differently, making a one-size-fits-all treatment approach ineffective.
Lack of Knowledge: The science of concussions and treatments has evolved and is still improving as we learn more about the brain. Unfortunately, even concussion specialists do not necessarily look at a comprehensive approach as supplementation and diet may not be in their educational curriculum.
Underreporting: Athletes and individuals in high-pressure jobs might underreport symptoms to avoid missing out on activities or work.
Mental Health: The psychological impact of concussions, such as anxiety and depression, can complicate recovery.
Persistence of Symptoms: Some individuals experience post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years.

Even minor concussions can have lasting effects on the brain and nervous system. Long-term symptoms might include:

Chronic headaches
Persistent dizziness or vertigo
Sleep disturbances
Cognitive impairments such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating
Emotional instability, including mood swings and irritability
Increased sensitivity to light and noise

Impact on Personal Performance and Leadership

Concussions can significantly impact personal performance and leadership abilities. For leaders, the cognitive and emotional symptoms can affect decision-making, strategic thinking, and interpersonal relationships. Leaders may experience:

Reduced ability to concentrate and focus on complex tasks
Difficulty in maintaining consistent performance
Increased fatigue, leading to shorter workdays and decreased productivity
Emotional state affecting team dynamics and morale
Challenges in managing stress and pressure effectively

Strategies for Leaders

Open Communication: Being transparent about their condition with their team can encourage understanding and support.
Delegation: Sharing responsibilities with trusted team members to reduce personal workload.
Structured Workdays: Implementing structured schedules with regular breaks to manage energy levels.
Health Support: Seeking ongoing support from health professionals to cope with symptoms. Coaching, therapy, and brain-based rehabilitation are great resources.
Continued Education: Staying informed about concussion management and new rehabilitation techniques.

Concussions, even when minor, are serious injuries that require proper management and rehabilitation. Understanding the symptoms, seeking appropriate treatment, and adopting supportive strategies are crucial for recovery. Leaders, in particular, need to be aware of how concussions can affect their performance and take proactive steps to navigate these effects. By doing so, they can continue to lead effectively while ensuring their health and well-being.