Supplements for Tramautic Brain Injuries

Paula Gallagher on
Recovery from a traumatic brain injury may be supported with nutritional supplements.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. It can also be caused by an object penetrating the skull. Concussions are a type of TBI and are on the rise, especially in children. In particular, sports-related concussions (SRCs) are considered one of the most difficult injuries to diagnose and manage. Like many of the sports in which they occur, they’re unpredictable and never static. Research is always occurring regarding brain injuries, and because of this, medical guidelines are also being updated to reflect the newest information.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Typically, symptoms come on quickly, and can change very rapidly within the first few hours. Anyone suspected of having an SRC should be closely monitored during this time. Symptoms are extremely varied, making it difficult to predict how a person with an SRC will feel or behave. These are just a few symptoms.

  • Somatic: headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea
  • Balance: unsteady walking
  • Behaviour: irritability
  • Cognitive: poor concentration, confusion, feeling “foggy”
  • Sleep: trouble falling asleep, drowsiness
  • Emotions: sadness, anxiety, more emotional

Anyone who suspects that they have a concussion or TBI should see a health care practitioner immediately to determine the extent of their injury. Their neurological function, including mental status, sensation, vision, coordination, and balance will all be evaluated.

Holistic Care

No two SRCs are ever the same, even in the case of multiple concussions in the same individual. Consider taking a holistic approach to address your individual needs. Keep an eye on your stress levels, treat any associated injuries (whiplash is common), consume nutrient-rich foods, get adequate sleep, and arrange any necessary modifications for school and work.

Although treatments have improved over the years, new and better treatments are needed. Researchers from Southern Illinois University explored the use of vitamins, minerals and nutrients as a complement to other TBI therapies. They believed that addressing the primary injury was not enough, as the secondary injury cascade causes considerable damage. They found that nutritional supplements may help traumatic brain injuries. The review article published in the June 2016 issue of Brain Research found that nicotinamide, magnesium, flavonoids, and omega-3 fatty acids appeared to have the most promise in the treatment of TBI. The study authors noted the following four findings on how vitamins and nutraceuticals could help treat TBI:

    1. Nicotimamide

    Nicotinamide’s ability to support energy production, inhibit cellular processes that delay repair, and decrease free radical scavenging appears to be neuroprotective.

    2. Magnesium

    Magnesium seems to decrease excitotoxicity. It is also an important mineral during concussion recovery. In particular, magnesium interacts with other nutrients, therefore helping maintain cognitive performance and function.

    3. Flavonoids

    Flavonoids have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and growth factor-stimulating properties.

    4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    Omega-3 fatty acids affect several points (including inflammatory signaling and cellular plasticity) in the secondary injury cascade, which means they can protect the brain against decreased plasticity and provide protection from oxidative stress. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can additionally help maintain cellular homeostasis and genomic stability, which is incredibly vital during concussion recovery. Most importantly, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the amount of brain injury after sustaining a concussion.

    Before taking any supplement, you should be working with a health care practitioner who can assess your individual needs. Because TBIs affect people differently, what would work for one person may not work for another.

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