Can We Stop the Long-term Effects of Concussions?
Each year, over 3.8 million concussions are reported.1 In fact, some studies show that only 8% of professional football athletes avoid chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Concussions are most common among athletes but can happen to anyone — automobile accidents, falls, and other incidents can lead to concussions. These injuries to the brain can have devastating long-term impacts. Fortunately, new findings suggest that treatments to reduce inflammation may help to stop these harmful effects.
What Is a Concussion?
Most people have heard of concussions, but many don’t thoroughly understand the details of the term. Not every head injury is a concussion. Instead, a concussion is categorized by the symptoms it causes, which can include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Brain fog
- Disturbance in vision
- Fatigue
When a concussion occurs, the neurons in the brain are torn. This results in changes in the brain cells’ ability to communicate with the rest of the body to sustain normal function.
Long-term Effects of Concussions
Studies have shown that those who suffer a concussion typically experience higher levels of inflammation in their brain than those who have not been concussed. This inflammation can lead to long-term neurological issues, including:
- Decreased cognitive function
- Memory problems
- Decreased motor skills
- Depression
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Brain fog
- Irritability
- Balance issues
In extreme cases, concussions can even cause permanent brain damage. In recent years, medical professionals and athletes have become increasingly aware of the dangers of concussion-related brain injuries, leading to more stringent safety protocols in sports such as football, soccer, and hockey.
Reducing Brain Inflammation with Light Lounge
Even with stricter safety protocols, it’s impossible to completely eliminate concussions. What’s more, millions of people already suffer from the long-term effects of a concussion they sustained in the past. As a result, it’s crucial to find effective treatments for concussions. Early, effective treatment has been linked to more positive long-term outcomes for people who have sustained a concussion.1
A few possible treatments for concussions include supplements and specific diets. Sometimes, painkillers are prescribed to help relieve headache symptoms. Understandably, many people do not want to take painkillers for long periods due to adverse side effects.
One strong option for concussion treatment is light therapy. Light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that operates at the cellular level. This type of therapy, also called photobiomodulation, can reduce inflammation in the brain by introducing a low level of light into specific brain areas. It is a safe, natural way to reduce inflammation without side effects.
Light therapy works by stimulating the mitochondria in the brain cells, which causes an increase in ATP energy production. By reducing the buildup of oxidative chemicals and inflammation in the body, this treatment can help speed up recovery. Clinical studies have shown that light therapy can help decrease levels of inflammation in the brain more effectively than medication or physical therapy alone.
It’s important to note that all light therapy options are not the same. Effective light therapy requires specific equipment and correct application. Light Lounge uses only FDA-approved, medical-grade light beds for all treatments
Get your FREE session today by using FREELIGHT at checkout.
1https://www.chiroeco.com/concussion-treatment-supplements/