Our brains are very fragile structures and easily injured, especially if they’ve been injured before. Even a slight tap to the head can trigger concussion symptoms in a person whose brain has had multiple previous concussions. Often concussions are difficult to identify as the symptoms can come one up to a month after a minor hit to the head. Current therapy is mostly passive, using rest and a gradual return to normal activity as the primary therapeutic intervention with support from pain relievers and anti-depressants to help manage symptoms.
There are several natural medicines that help reduce brain swelling, enhance nerve healing, repair and speed recovery from concussion. Concussions cause the brain to swell and become inflamed. DHA found in fish oils have been shown to significantly reduce the number of swollen, disconnected and injured nerves when given following brain injury. Magnesium levels have been shown to drop by 50% for 5 days after injury to the brain and high tissue magnesium levels are associated with better recovery.
The mineral lithium orotate is a potent brain protector and healer. It reduces inflammation, speeds healing, enhances nerve growth factors and prevents nerve death. The mushroom lions mane improves focus and concentration and has been shown to help improve mood, all important aspects of treating concussion. Broccoli contains a substance called sulforaphane that crosses the blood brain barrier and reduces oxidation (one of the causes of inflammation) and stimulates normal cell growth.
The use of a single antioxidant to manage inflammation is ineffective whereas using multiple different antioxidants allows the body to slow the inflammatory process. Other anti-inflammatories like curcumin (from turmeric) and resveratrol from grapes may have a beneficial effect in reducing post concussive symptoms and speeding healing. I’ve used various combinations of these nutrients to treat concussion with good results, including on myself.
As always, these supplements are not meant to replace the care of a qualified clinician in the treatment of concussion.