What is a Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A Concussion or TBI occurs when the brain is injured by a direct blow to the head or face, or a sudden acceleration or deceleration without external contact to the head. The brain, which floats in a protective fluid called CerebroSpinal Fluid, is then "concussed" as the brain moves within the head from this trauma. Part of the trauma of the concussion, especially when velocity is involved,is the brain hitting the inside of the skull, not just the external blow. Although we realize that the area hit is injured, there is often a second impact on the opposite side of the brain from the direct injury.
There are global symptoms associated with a concussion, the areas of the main and secondary injury play a significant part in the types of symptoms experienced Post-concussion. Rotation and shearing within the brain also play a part.
The effects of concussions can be cumulative, especially when no treatment or intervention has occurred. This places an individual at higher risk for Post-Concussive Syndrome, or long lasting symptoms after even a "mild" concussion. A concussion also causes a change in Brain Chemistry at the time of the injury, which can have lasting effects. This is also a contributing factor to Post-Concussive Syndrome. There are varying degrees of severity regarding concussions ranging from mild, to moderate or severe, but it is my experience that there is no such thing as a "minor" head injury.
Brain Injury Can Occur in Many Different Ways:
- Bike accidents: Even if you have a helmet on, the blow will cause your brain to hit the inside of the skull from the sudden deceleration.
- Motor-Vehicle Accidents: Even if head did not strike the windshield, the back of the head has likely struck the head rest. As the head whips forward from the sudden deceleration, the brain strikes the inside of the frontal bone (or forehead) and then again as the head is whipped back and hits the head rest.
- Falls
- An Object striking the head or face directly
- Sports
- Traumatic Birth, including Forceps delivery, Suction, Impaction during the birthing process, and Cesarean (this is due to a sudden pressure change, much like the Bends divers experience)
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Stroke, Aneurysm or Tumor
- Electric Shock
What are the Symptoms of a Brain Injury or Concussion?
All degrees of brain injuries can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, as well as emotional and social disabilities, yet each experience of symptoms is unique. Concussions are often an "invisible" injury as there may not be visible external damage, but thought processes, emotions and social skills may be impaired - even from what appeared to be a minor "bump on the head". Some symptoms may appear right away, such as headache and dizziness; others frequently arise later and may not appear to have a direct relation to the concussion, such as hormonal or digestive disruption.
How can CST Help Me Heal?
The cranial bones of the head are connected by sutures which respond to the production and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. When the head is struck, these bones and brain tissue absorb the shock of the impact and compress in response to the blunt trauma.
This compression and displacement is part of the cause of some of the symptoms experienced post concussion. This is also how the effects of concussions become cumulative when not corrected through proper treatment. This is also a contributing factor in how a previous TBI makes us at greater risk for developing Post-Concussive Syndrome.
Craniosacral Therapy helps the body to release the structural displacements in the cranial bones and brain along with the compression that are the cause of lingering brain injury symptoms. This is done by non-invasive and gentle touch which allows the body to release the trauma and return to a more functional and normal level. The body can then truly heal from the injury instead of just compensating around it.
TBI Related Symptoms Craniosacral Treats Effectively:
- Headaches & Migraines
- Neck and Back Pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness and Light-headedness
- Confusion
- Long and Short Term Memory Loss
- Fatigue
- Irritability and Anger
- Disorientation and Balance
- Anxiety and Depression
- Hormonal Disruption, including Thyroid disorders
- Digestive Disorders
- Heart Palpitations
- Central Nervous System over-stimulation
- Sleep Disorders
- TMJD
- Many more symptoms and issues
I trust that both my professional and personal experiences with Concussion and Post-Concussive Syndrome can help you recover on your healing journey. I bring compassion, skilled awareness, and effective techniques to each session. Please feel free to call me at 403 640 1576, and I can answer any questions you may have.
Our Sorrows and wounds are healed
only when we touch them with compassion
~ Budda
