Concussion Treatments
Have you or someone you love had a concussion? Are you having concussion symptoms that are hard to manage? Have you gone to different doctors for concussion treatments, and nothing has helped?
Dr. Diane® Brain Health uses cutting-edge technology and has the Solutions and Resources to help you recover! The Dr. Diane® team of Brain Health Experts are trained in conventional, complementary, and alternative treatment methods. Dr. Diane® will provide you with a customized concussion treatment program because she sees each person as unique and knows that one method does not fit everyone.
Diane®‘s Approach to Treating a Concussion
How a concussion affects your brain is as unique as you are. Are you a hearty, reactive, or sensitive person? What type of childhood did you have? Each person’s history has to be taken into account when looking for the best treatment.
Dr. Diane® and her Brain Health Experts work as a team; and believe that no matter what the problem or situation is, they can help. They will look at you through Dr. Diane®‘s 5 Prong Approach: the physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and energy aspects of a person. Then they will address each area to find the core issue. Once that is done, they will create your treatment program.
Insurance Coverage and Concussion Treatments
There are conventional, complementary, and alternative treatments for concussions. For an in-depth explanation of how each of these treatments affects specific areas, please read Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Your insurance may pay for some methods and not others. No coverage doesn’t mean that one type of treatment is better; it just depends on what your health insurance will cover.
Amy Karas, who is on our team of Brain Health Experts, specializes in brain injury and is trained to help with cognitive and memory issues. Short-term memory issues may respond to treatment with certain medications that may have side effects. Still, if they are effective, the benefits may outweigh the disadvantages.
Compensatory Memory Training
There are rehabilitation centers that offer programs to help you manage memory problems. One approach is to help you get back lost skills through memory training. Compensatory intervention teaches you different ways to complete daily tasks. They will teach you how to use your present skills and your learning style to remember information. Internal cues such as sensations and thoughts and external cues like color or sound are also used. The Brain Injury Association can refer you to a center in your area that provides compensatory memory training.
Complementary Treatments
Hypnosis, which can be effective at retrieving memories, may help long-term memory loss. Neurofeedback can help the brain become regulated again and form new neural connections needed for memory storage and retrieval. Several computer programs and websites are devoted to improving your memory, such as Brain Train, EyeQ, and Luminosity. Brain health supplements, like Prevagen, have been shown to improve memory and sleep problems. You can purchase the regular version of Prevagen at a health food store. In contrast, you can find a more potent form through medical practices. As always, it is vital to consult with your Neurologist before using any over-the-counter medication.
Alternative Treatments
Herbal & Homeopathic
Many advertisements state that certain herbs or homeopathic remedies can increase your memory. These over-the-counter products may help, but it is always best to work with a knowledgeable practitioner rather than self-medicating. Even natural remedies can have serious side effects if not used properly.
An Herbalist may recommend products such as Ginkgo Biloba or Suan Zoa Ren for memory improvement, depending on your specific needs. Homeopaths may suggest Carbo Vegetabilis, Silicea terra, and Hyoscyamus niger. Suppose your physician cannot help you with herbs or homeopathic treatments or refer you to a practitioner who can. In that case, the Herb Research Foundation or the National Center for Homeopathy can help you find a practitioner in your area.
Nutritional Supplements
Some people have found that taking vitamin B6 and coenzyme Q10 daily, has helped restore their memory. However, be aware that too much vitamin B6 can damage the nervous system, so you should first talk with your physician to find the dosage that is best for you.
Sleep Disturbance Concussion Treatments
Treating sleep issues after a concussion is vital to recovery. Restorative sleep, good nutrition, and stress reduction are crucial to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Below are many approaches that can help.
Conventional Treatments
Behavioral
- Wake up at the same time every day
- Reduce use of caffeine and alcohol
- Eliminate use of tobacco
- Eat a higher protein diet while reducing sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed food
- Exercise regularly (not within four hours of bedtime)
- Nap; recent research shows that a 90-minute nap during the day promotes sleep at night
Acupuncture, SCENAR, and Neurofeedback are very effective at correcting sleep issues. Insurance companies, however, do not cover Neurofeedback and can require over thirty sessions over several years.
Cranial Electro Stimulation (CES) is an FDA-approved medical device for insomnia. The blinking glasses of pRoshi help the brain to regulate. Quantum Wave Light therapy has a specific setting for sleep, while the Q1000 and certain pressure points improve sleep. Oxygen therapy is also helpful, though it is different from the CPAP or APAP machines used for sleep apnea.
Alternative Treatments
There are many concussion treatments that help with sleep issues after injury. For example, Reiki and QiGong are beneficial. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy Sleep and aromatherapy can promote sleep, as can many homeopathic and herbal remedies. Before using any alternative products, it is essential to consult with a Naturopath or Homeopathic Practitioner with a background in brain injuries. Dr. Diane® is a Bach Flower Practitioner and can assess what remedies are right for you. Clara Diebold provides Reiki and is one of our Brain Health Team Experts.