What Neurological Damage Can Be Caused by Multiple Concussions?

Overview

Imagine your brain to be like a freeway. When the traffic is light, you get to your destination on time. However, when there is an accident or construction you will try to find other routes but they cause you to arrive late. When there is a traffic jam, who knows when you will ever get there. Your brain needs an optimal signal pathway for you to accomplish the things you normally do such as reading or writing. When you suffer from a concussion, the cells in your brains become jammed up or packed, forcing your brain to find other neural pathways that are less efficient. That is why it is crucial to allow your brain to fully heal after experiencing a concussion. If you had multiple concussions in the past, your symptoms may become long-term.  If you are seeking neurological therapy in Nassau County, contact us today at Nassau Suffolk Neurology. Our neurologist will evaluate the severity of your injury, and develop a treatment plan that is right for you!

What is a Concussion? 

A concussion is a mild brain injury or trauma that you get from either receiving a blow to the head, violently shaking or jostling your head and upper body. 

Your body’s response to this trauma is to send blood to the brain to help promote healing of the damaged brain cells. This creates swelling and puts pressure on parts of the brain. This swelling in your brain will cause breakdowns of the tiny structures of the cells. As a result, these cells can’t get enough oxygen and are not able to accomplish the normal power signaling your brain does on a normal basis. 

During normal brain function, your brain can send signals to the rest of your body when you want to stand up or walk. When you have a concussion the pathways become disrupted causing your brain to search for other neural pathways. These suboptimal pathways are like traffic jams. The cells are unable to call for and receive the oxygen they need to accomplish normal functions, so other cells must pick up the work for them. 

The more suboptimal pathways your brain uses, the more tired you become. Other symptoms also include: 

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Memory loss
• Blurry Vision
• Confusion 
• Dizziness 

After fully recovering from a head injury through our neurological therapy in Nassau County, your brain can go back to using its normal pathway. However, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes the brain cells need more time to fully heal so it’s crucial to prevent any more concussions from happening and producing long term effects or symptoms. 

The more trauma you experience, the more likely you have of developing long-term symptoms and the more time your brain needs to heal.

Potential Consequences of Multiple Concussions

Those who participate in contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse and other contact sports are more prone to getting more than one concussion. That is why it is crucial to not return to your sport until after your brain is fully healed. When you experience more than one traumatic brain injury, your risk for developing long term impairments are greater. 

Multiple concussions can cause neurological impairments such as: 

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy– A degenerative brain disease caused by the Tau protein forming clumps that slowly spread and killing brain cells. It can cause memory and cognitive decline, suicidal behavior, aggressiveness, parkinsonism, and even dementia. Commonly found in athletes or people with a history of repeated brain trauma.

Depression – A mood disorder that affects how you think, act and feel. 

Dementia Pugilistica – Degenerative brain disease also found in people with multiple concussions. Symptoms include tremors, slowed movement speech problems, confusion, memory problems. It has even been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. 

How Can Neurological Therapy in Nassau County Help? 

If you have experienced multiple concussions in the past and are seeking neurological therapy in Nassau County, then contact us today at Nassau Suffolk Neurology. Our team will assess your injury and take the appropriate course of action to help treat symptoms and get your brain back to its optimal pathway functions.