Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help with Concussion Recovery?
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If you’re like many people, you may think that concussions are rare occurrences that are defined by a loss of consciousness. In reality, concussions are quite common and, in most cases, do not cause a person to become unconscious. For this reason, it is important to know what signs and symptoms may mean you or a loved one has sustained a concussion as well as what to do – and what not to do – during concussion recovery. At The Wellness Institute of Dallas, distinguished neurology-based chiropractor Dr. Brandon Nutt helps Highland Park and University Park area patients protect and restore brain function following a concussion with a wide range of advanced functional neurology techniques and technologies. In this blog, you’ll learn more about recovery after a concussion, including why certain supplements may help to speed up the healing process and get your brain back to baseline sooner.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of head injury – often classified as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) – that temporarily affects the patient’s neurological function. Some concussions are mild, while others are severe and can even result in the patient losing consciousness. The most common causes of a concussion include falls, trauma/blow to the head, and contact sports injuries. If you suspect that you or someone around you has sustained a concussion, it is important to obtain a medical evaluation as quickly as possible.
How do I know if I have a concussion?
In more severe cases, such as when a football player takes a heavy hit and blacks out almost immediately, a concussion may be fairly obvious. However, even lighter blows to the head can cause concussions that go unnoticed – but are not necessarily harmless – unless a person knows what they are looking for. The most common signs and symptoms that may mean you have sustained a concussion include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Brain fog
- Confusion
- Changes in vision
- Changes in speech (slurred speech)
- Difficulty balancing
- Slow reactions
- Overall decline of cognitive function
- Nausea
If you or someone around you experiences even more severe symptoms following a head injury, like visible bleeding, vomiting, or tasting metal, visit your nearest emergency room right away.
What should I do after a concussion?
Once you have been evaluated by a medical professional to ensure there is no brain bleed or other complication present, it is time to focus on letting your brain recover from the concussion with these helpful steps:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with fresh, whole foods
- Stay hydrated
- Add sugar-free electrolytes to your water
- Stimulate your brain lightly with short, easy activities like walking outdoors
- Avoid reading and screen time
- Sleep
Are there any supplements I should take after a concussion?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development in early life and help to promote and protect brain function throughout the rest of a person’s life. After sustaining a concussion, it has been noted that a patient’s supplies of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain decline, which makes the process of regaining full cognitive function slow and difficult. Many studies show that increasing your dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids – in particular, DHA – can help to encourage and expedite concussion recovery, especially in patients with post-concussion syndrome. Not only that, but omega-3 fatty acids may even help to prevent concussions or reduce their impact. With a combination of a provider experienced in functional neurology and concussion care, as well as proper concussion aftercare – including taking omega-3 fatty acids when recommended, patients can set themselves up for optimal recovery.
Boost your brain power with functional neurology in Dallas, TX
Whether you suspect that you have sustained a concussion or are experiencing disruptive neurological symptoms, like chronic migraines or vertigo, we can help. To learn more about the comprehensive range of functional neurology treatments and therapies offered at The Wellness Institute of Dallas, call to schedule your one-on-one consultation with neurology-based chiropractor Dr. Brandon Nutt today.