Research Study on Post-Concussion Syndrome
Have you ever hit your head hard? Seen stars? Had a concussion? According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a concussion is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by immediate and transient alteration in brain function, including alteration of mental status and level of consciousness, resulting from mechanical force or trauma. In simpler terms, a concussion is an injury to the brain that causes alteration in brain function.
If you have had a concussion or know someone who has, you or your loved one/friend/neighbor may have also suffered from Post-Concussion Syndrome. Post-Concussion Syndrome occurs in individuals who have suffered from a head injury and have side effects that last for weeks or months. These symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, mood swings, personality changes, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and excessive drowsiness.
With repeated sub-concussive hits to the head, concussions, and Post-Concussion Syndrome, individuals suffer from repetitive brain trauma and may develop Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, CTE. Individuals suffering with CTE may have cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral problems, some which may not be noticeable right away. With CTE, neurodegenerative changes can be seen with images of the brain, but a diagnosis of CTE is currently only given after death during an autopsy.
Post-Concussion Syndrome and CTE has received some press in the last few years, including this -http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/76-of-79-deceased-nfl-players-found-to-have-brain-disease/
In 2015, I was selected, along with approximately 25 other therapists, from around the world to participate as a CranioSacral Therapist in the second research study on the effects of intensive therapy on Post-Concussion Syndrome with retired NFL and CFL athletes. The goal of the study was to use manual therapy approaches, including CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Neural Manipulation, to alleviate the symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome, of repeated trauma to the brain, and to allow for healing in those individuals with a predisposition for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
A pilot study was conducted in 2014 and the results have been compiled and presented at different conferences. The data is currently being assessed from the 2015 study. Here is a link to the 2014 study: http://www.upledger.org/programs/concussion-program.php
While participating in this study, the players had amazing results – decreased pain, increased mobility in areas that were injured greater than 20 years ago, improved brain clarity and cognition, improved sleep, improved mood, and the overall release of trauma that they had been carrying around for years and years. It was truly an honor to participate in this amazing project and assist in healing for these men.
My words can only express my gratitude in being able to facilitate these changes in other people’s bodies, brains, emotions, and function. CranioSacral Therapy is amazing and truly changes lives.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Post-Concussion Syndrome, please let them know that help is out there!
