What goes on inside the brain during a concussion?

Let’s take a look under the hood.

There are three big things that happen during a concussion that are important to know about:

1. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and glutamate go all over the place wreaking havoc.

2. Trying to put everything back into place take a lot of energy (ATP), this leads to an energy deficit that lasts up to 30 days.

3. Simultaneously, there is a significant decrease (up to 50%) in blood flow to the brain. This makes meeting the energy deficit even harder.

Watch the video below to hear how all of this happens and plays out.

If you’re struggling with headaches, pressure, fogginess, fatigue, anxiety, sleep troubles, etc… related to your concussion, schedule a consultation below.

References:

1. Giza, C. C., & Hovda, D. A. (2001). The neurometabolic cascade of concussion. Journal of athletic training, 36(3), 228.

2. Giza, C. C., & Hovda, D. A. (2014). The new neurometabolic cascade of concussion. Neurosurgery, 75(suppl_4), S24-S33.

3. Signoretti, S., Lazzarino, G., Tavazzi, B., & Vagnozzi, R. (2011). The pathophysiology of concussion. Pm&r, 3(10), S359-S368.

4. Vagnozzi, R., Signoretti, S., Cristofori, L., Alessandrini, F., Floris, R., Isgro, E., ... & Del Bolgia, F. (2010). Assessment of metabolic brain damage and recovery following mild traumatic brain injury: a multicentre, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic study in concussed patients. Brain, 133(11), 3232-3242.