Long term concussion treatment options are a big decision, especially with chronic post-concussion symptoms. Who should you see? What are your treatment options? And where can you find the right provider?
According to the data, 10-20% of individuals who have a concussion struggle with chronic post-concussion symptoms after three months following their injury. And in many cases, patients can have symptoms many months and even years later.
Concussions are a common yet serious type of mild traumatic brain injury that can have long and lasting effects.
This post will explore the intricacies of long term concussion treatment and the latest treatment approaches and strategies for those navigating the challenging road to recovery.
Understanding Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms
Before delving into finding options for long term concussion treatment, it’s crucial to recognize that long term concussion effects can manifest in various ways. Patients can present in multiple ways, which is why they need to be treated like the individuals they are.
Some patients may struggle with ongoing headaches, dizziness, or balance issues. In comparison, others may struggle with memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes.
The persistence of these symptoms beyond the typical recovery window often signals the need for a comprehensive long term concussion treatment plan. And for those who have been struggling with chronic post-concussion symptoms, answers usually can’t come soon enough.
Tailored Approaches to Long Term Concussion Treatment
As we’ve already stated, no two concussions are exactly alike, and the same holds true for treatment plans. Effective long term concussion treatment hinges on personalized care that addresses each individual’s unique set of symptoms and challenges.
In many situations, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers must collaborate and implement these tailored treatment plans. Due to the complexities of concussions, treatments may vary. Patients should see improvements over time, regardless of the type of doctor they’re seeing.
The Neurologist’s Role in Concussion Treatment and Rehabilitation
Various forms of neurologists can play a pivotal part in long term concussion treatment.
Traditional medical neurologists usually treat patients with medications, surgery, and procedures. Functional neurologists often focus their treatments on neurological rehabilitation, visual and vestibular therapy, and nutritional modalities that regulate inflammation after an injury.
These different types of specialists can conduct detailed assessments to pinpoint specific areas of brain function affected by the injury. So, when one group of providers can’t find answers, the others likely can.
Both parties deploy advanced imaging techniques, neurocognitive tests, and objective diagnostic tests to assess their patients’ neurological states. As doctors, they’re all intensely focused on helping track patient progress over time and adjust treatment strategies as needed.
Long Term Concussion Treatment & Cognitive Rehabilitation: Rewiring the Brain
One key aspect of long term concussion treatment often involves cognitive rehabilitation. This approach focuses on retraining the brain and improving cognitive functions that may have been negatively impaired due to the injury.
Symptoms like brain fog, disconnect, and fatigue are common complaints of patients dealing with chronic post-concussion symptoms.
When suffering from these issues, patients are often referred to work with speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists. These providers generally focus on therapies to enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills via targeted exercises and activities.
While this therapy may be widely known and used, it’s essential to understand that many factors could be causing cognitive impairments.
Some research has even shown sensory issues causing motor and cognitive problems in patients dealing with post-concussion symptoms. If you’ve tried cognitive-based rehabilitation (CBT) or other executive function therapies and are still dealing with symptoms, know that it’s not the end of the road. There are still potential answers out there for you!
Neurological Rehabilitation for Lasting Dizziness and Balance Issues
A majority of individuals looking for long term concussion treatment will receive referrals to physical therapy or physiotherapy for rehabilitation. And for good reason.
It’s common for patients to struggle with persistent post-concussion symptoms of balance problems and dizziness. When armed with the appropriate post-concussion training and clinical skill set, physical therapists can help patients struggling with these issues by enhancing their strength, stability, and brain function.
Specifically, physical therapists specializing in vestibular rehabilitation can be an invaluable ally in addressing these challenges. When working together with other trained providers, they can provide insights that other doctors may overlook.
Patients should gradually regain stability and confidence in their daily activities through rehabilitation. This is usually accomplished through a series of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive-based exercises designed to recalibrate the body’s balance system. And once again, regardless of the type of provider a patient is working with, they should see results over time.
The Mental Health Component of Long Term Concussion Treatment
For long term concussion treatment to be effective, it needs to also address the psychological and emotional impacts of the injury. Sadly, many patients report mental health challenges after their injury but rarely seek care for their symptoms as they assume they will naturally improve over time.
Mood changes, anxiety, and depression are common complaints among those dealing with persistent post concussion symptoms. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists or neuropsychiatrists, can usually provide crucial support and coping strategies to improve mental health challenges.
As previously stated, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown great promise in helping patients manage the emotional toll of long term concussion recovery.
Once again, if these modalities haven’t successfully treated symptoms, it might be time to look deeper under the hood. Often times, providers can uncover additional nutritional or inflammatory-based issues that might be causing lingering symptoms.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Factors
While often overlooked, diet and lifestyle choices frequently play a significant role in long term concussion treatment and the improvement of symptoms. The inflammatory cascade that occurs with a concussion can cause an array of problems that may not be apparent from the outset.
More importantly, the metabolic issues and inflammation levels present before an injury can be a notable factor in the onset of symptoms and healing after the injury.
Healthcare providers who understand the influence of diet and nutrition often suggest anti-inflammatory diets as a first line of defense. It’s important to focus on a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high quality fiber, healthy protein sources, and antioxidants to support brain health.
Regular, low-grade exercise – under medical supervision and following the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) protocols – may also aid recovery by promoting blood flow to the brain and releasing beneficial brain-enhancing endorphins like Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
Sleep For Optimizing Concussion Treatment
While often overlooked, sleep is one of the most effective ways to promote healing in both healthy and concussed patient populations. Up to 30-70% of patients who sustain a concussion report issues with their sleep.
While sleep has a multitude of benefits, like enhancing energy production, consolidating memories, and promoting growth and healthy aging, very few providers intentionally focus on supporting it.
Sleep is multifaceted, and while most people know they need to sleep better, they rarely understand how to do so. Optimizing sleep involves getting to sleep and waking up at the same time each day. It’s also important to focus on eliminating screen time for 90 minutes before going to bed to allow the brain to prepare for sleep. We also know that keeping your at a cool temperature (around 68-70 degrees fahrenheit) will facilitate a deeper sleep.
Although taking supplements, herbs, and tinctures to optimize sleep may have benefits, we suggest focusing on optimizing sleep habits before considering other alternatives.
The Promise of Neurofeedback for Short and Long Term Concussion Symptoms
Neurofeedback therapy is an emerging area in long-term concussion treatment. This technique involves monitoring brain wave patterns in real time via EEG and providing feedback to help patients learn to regulate their brain activity.
This technique works by comparing abnormal frequencies to expected normal wavelengths during tasks. When found, providers can create personalized therapies and treatment protocols to improve brain function.
While research is ongoing and the therapeutic application is still somewhat unknown, studies suggest that neurofeedback may help alleviate certain persistent concussion symptoms, particularly those related to attention and emotional regulation.
These treatments perform best when paired with different modalities supporting proper brain function and underlying inflammation.
Alternative Therapies – A Complementary Approach to Care
Some patients find relief through alternative therapies as part of their long term concussion treatment regimen.
Some have reported that acupuncture helps with headache management and improves pain levels. Mindfulness meditation and yoga also reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Scientific evidence for these approaches to concussion treatment is still limited. With that being said, case studies and reports provide enough conviction to try them, as their applications have minimal downsides.
Clinically, we’ve seen many individuals report that these therapies are very helpful when used in conjunction with conventional medical care.
The Importance of Support Networks in Long Term Concussion Treatment
Recovery from a concussion is not just a medical journey – it’s a deeply personal one that can impact all aspects of life. And without a proper support system, recovery can be a long and lonely road.
Support groups and peer mentoring programs can be invaluable resources for those undergoing long term concussion treatment. Connecting with other individuals who understand the challenges of post-concussion symptoms. Groups focused on the common goal of concussions can help to provide emotional support, tips, and an overall sense of community during the recovery process.
It’s also important for those struggling with post-concussion symptoms to be able to speak about their struggles and symptoms. The more that friends and family know, the more they will be able to support their loved one struggling with concussion outcomes.
Concussions are an invisible journey, which is why so many struggle in silence. By empowering patients to share their stories, feelings, and struggles, we can create a supportive community that can facilitate long-term recovery and social networking.
Navigating Return to Work or School After A Concussion
An often-overlooked aspect of long term concussion treatment involves creating personalized strategies for returning to work and academic activities. Concussions aren’t apparent to the naked eye, like a broken leg with a cast or using a wheelchair. Because of this, these injuries need to be documented, and patients may need to have accommodations made.
Occupational therapists and vocational rehabilitation specialists can help patients develop strategies and protocols. Their goal is to help patients manage cognitive demands and fatigue in these environmental settings. These coping strategies may involve gradual reintegration, workplace accommodations, or the use of assistive technologies to support daily functioning.
The goal is to help an individual return to normal activities before the concussion. Still, depending on the severity of the injury, that may not always be the case. It’s always best to take a proactive approach to healing and recovery to optimize an individual’s chances of returning to regular function.
Long Term Concussion Treatment is a Journey of Patience and Perseverance
Long term concussion treatment is rarely a straightforward path. It requires patience, persistence, focus, and a willingness to adapt as symptoms fluctuate and new challenges arise.
You should seek to embracing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to care. By doing so, you can maximize your chances of a meaningful recovery and improved quality of life.
Our understanding of concussions and their long term effects continues to grow. As a result of that, the arsenal of treatment options available to those in need will grow as well.
For now, the most effective long term concussion treatment plans are those that address the whole person. By integrating the body, mind, and spirit, the journey toward healing and recovery can finally begin.
By approaching treatment strategies structurally, neurologically, and nutritionally, we can apply evidence-based therapies in the clinic.
At The Neural Connection, our team of providers specializes in personalized post-concussion care and rehabilitation.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out our 88+ 5-Star Google Reviews from patients who have found success at our clinic with our specialized approach to treating concussions.
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*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients are advised to consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.
