What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder that can occur following a concussion or head injury. Post-concussion syndrome is not the same as a concussion; it occurs after a concussion has healed, and is thought to be triggered by the trauma or the after-effects of a concussion.
Signs and Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome
If you have suffered a head injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident or sports injury, there’s a good chance you’ll experience the short-term effects of a concussion. These effects include confusion, dizziness, and headaches. More severe symptoms include memory loss, concentration problems, and blurred vision.
The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are often not as severe as those experienced directly after a concussion. However, the onset of post-concussion syndrome will extend the duration of the initial concussion and may be accompanied by additional symptoms, including persistent headaches, muscle fatigue, sleepiness, nausea and balance problems, concentration difficulties, and short-term memory loss.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Post-Concussion Syndrome
The upper cervical spine is formed from the top seven vertebrae in the neck. As a result, trauma events to the head often affect the upper cervical spine, which in turn can affect the brainstem and cerebellum. The brainstem is responsible for controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature regulation. The cerebellum is responsible for maintaining balance and coordination.
During a head injury, the trauma caused by the impact may disrupt the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine, damaging nerve endings and causing inflammation around the brainstem and cerebellum. Left untreated, this inflammation can prolong the initial symptoms of a concussion and cause the onset of post-concussion syndrome.
How Our Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment Works
At our office, our chiropractors have extensive experience in treating post-concussion syndrome. Through the use of upper cervical chiropractic care, we can realign the upper spine and relieve the inflammation that is causing post-concussion syndrome.
To treat post-concussion syndrome, we will first need to identify whether you are suffering from a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. To do so, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will use a combination of X-rays and gentle cone-beam computed tomography scans. If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Bello will perform a series of non-invasive chiropractic corrections to the affected area of the spinal column. By removing nerve interference, we can help restore normal function to the brainstem and cerebellum, allowing you to recover from your concussion quickly and completely.
If you are tired of suffering from the symptoms of a concussion, Dr. Bello provides treatment for post-concussion syndrome to patients in Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Los Angeles, Westwood, and the surrounding areas.