Concussion Treatment for Kids: Understanding Brain Injuries and the Role of Upper Cervical Care

 

Concussions in children, from toddlers to teenagers, are more common than many realize. These injuries often occur during sports, play, or accidents, and even minor head bumps and birthing injuries can impact the brain and spine. Unfortunately, the effects of concussions are often underestimated, especially in children who might not show immediate symptoms. However, it’s crucial to understand that these impacts are cumulative, potentially setting the stage for long-term issues that may not surface until later in life.

Different Levels of Concussion

Concussions vary in severity, classified into four grades:

1. Grade 1: A brief period of disorientation or seeing stars, lasting less than a minute without loss of consciousness.
2. Grade 2: Symptoms persist for more than a minute but still no loss of consciousness.
3. Grade 3: Loss of consciousness for less than a minute.
4. Grade 4: Loss of consciousness for more than a minute.

Historically, medical attention has primarily focused on Grade 3 and 4 concussions. However, emerging research reveals that even Grade 1 and 2 concussions can significantly impact the brain, particularly in children whose brains are still growing and developing. The nature of concussions is that they reduce the brain’s bandwidth, affecting its ability to function and develop normally. This reduction can lead to long-term issues, especially when the brain is in its critical developmental stages.

How Concussions Affect the Brain

The brain is a highly complex organ, using vast amounts of processing power to manage everything we do. A concussion disrupts this delicate balance, reducing the brain’s efficiency and ability to function correctly. Several critical areas of the brain are particularly vulnerable following a concussion, especially in children.

1. Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex, including the orbitofrontal and cingulate cortexes, is vital for emotional development, logic, personality, drive, ambition, and reward processing. Inflammatory injury to this area can result in subtle but significant symptoms such as feeling “flat,” experiencing brain fog, lacking mental clarity, and just not feeling right. These symptoms may not be immediately apparent, but they can significantly impact a child’s development over time.

2. Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the “master endocrine gland,” plays a crucial role in hormone regulation and interfaces with the autonomic nervous system. The shear force of a brain injury can damage this area, leading to a wide range of hormonal imbalances and digestive issues, including leaky gut syndrome. This condition creates a positive feedback loop of inflammation, affecting the body and brain. Therefore, even though the injury may not seem directly related to the digestive system, maintaining a healthy diet is essential in concussion treatment for kids AND adults.

3. Balance System

The cerebellum, located at the base of the skull, is responsible for coordinating neural traffic in the body and maintaining balance. It is one of the areas most commonly affected by whiplash injuries to the upper neck, which can significantly influence brain circulation. As a result, children who suffer from concussions may experience dizziness and vertigo blurry vision, and muscle weakness. Research has shown that damage to the cerebellum can also contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and developmental delays.

Concussion Treatment for Kids is about improving Brain Inflammation & Function

After a concussion, the brain’s immune cells, known as microglia, become activated. This activation is typically irreversible, meaning that once primed, these cells do not return to their dormant state. As a result, the brain becomes more susceptible to future injuries, whether they are physical, chemical, or emotional. This phenomenon, known as “Second Hit Syndrome,” highlights the importance of proper care following an initial concussion to minimize the risk of future problems.

The good news is that the brain’s immune system can shift into an anti-inflammatory state, reducing the risk of long-term damage. Several strategies can help support this process and promote brain health in children following a concussion.

1. Healthy Diet

Gut health is closely linked to brain function. A diet low in sugar, minimal in pro-inflammatory foods, and free of dyes, additives, and synthetic substances can significantly promote brain health. By reducing inflammation in the body, a healthy diet helps create an environment conducive to brain recovery.

2. Vision Therapy

The brain is remarkably adaptive, often finding ways to rewire itself following an injury. Vision therapy, which involves training the eyes to work in different ways, can help the brain compensate for damaged circuits. A neuro-optometrist may also prescribe customized glasses to help the brain process information more effectively, reducing sensory overload, blurry vision and promoting recovery.

3. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

A head injury almost always involves a neck injury, particularly at the craniocervical junction where the skull meets the neck. This area plays a crucial role in circulation to, from, and within the brain. Ensuring that the neck functions properly is vital for maintaining a healthy brain environment. Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on aligning this critical area, promoting optimal brain function, and supporting recovery from concussions.

The Role of the Upper Neck in Brain Health

The upper neck, particularly the craniocervical junction, is a key player in brain health. This area is responsible for supporting the head, protecting the spinal cord, and facilitating blood flow to the brain. Any misalignment or injury to this area can have profound effects on brain function, especially in children.

1. Ligament Damage and Misalignment

The ligaments in the upper neck are designed to provide stability and support. However, these ligaments can be damaged during a concussion, leading to misalignment and abnormal motion. This misalignment transmits inappropriate information to the brain, particularly the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance. As a result, children may experience dizziness, vertigo, headaches, and other symptoms following a concussion.

2. Cerebrovascular Flow

The internal carotid artery, vertebral artery, and internal jugular vein all pass through the upper neck, playing a crucial role in cerebrovascular flow. Any mechanical derangement in this area can produce abnormal fluid flow or pressure within the cranial vault, making the vestibular system more susceptible to injury. When this happens, vertigo and other vestibular problems can arise as downstream effects of an upstream cause (e.g., intracranial hypertension)

3. Diagnostic Testing and Treatment

To properly address these issues, it is essential to conduct comprehensive diagnostic testing, including balance assessments, neurological tests, and diagnostic imaging (such as DAX or CBCT scans). These tests help identify the location and direction of misalignment, allowing for targeted treatment to restore normal function. One effective form of care is the Blair technique, a specialty of upper cervical chiropractic that does not involve twisting, cracking, or popping.

Conclusion

Concussions in children are serious injuries that require careful attention and treatment. While the symptoms may not always be immediately apparent, the long-term effects can be significant, particularly when the brain is still developing. Understanding the impact of concussions on the brain, particularly in areas like the prefrontal cortex, pituitary gland, and cerebellum, is crucial for promoting recovery and minimizing future risks.

Upper cervical chiropractic care plays a vital role in supporting brain health and function, particularly in children who have suffered a concussion. By addressing issues at the craniocervical junction, this form of care helps ensure optimal circulation, alignment, and neurological function, promoting a healthy environment for the brain to recover and thrive. In combination with a healthy diet and vision therapy, upper cervical care offers a comprehensive approach to concussion treatment for kids, helping them recover and build a strong foundation for future health and well-being.