We hear more and more about it each day, particularly in the realm of contact sports, where concussions and traumatic brain injuries are now treated with the utmost care. An upper cervical Phoenix chiropractor understands that the varied physical, cognitive, and emotional signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury and concussion (a mild traumatic brain injury) can be challenging to sort out and manage. Recovery from a brain injury can take many months, particularly in moderate to severe brain injuries. Intervention with upper cervical chiropractic treatment can provide symptom relief and help people with these often devastating injuries to recover and return to their daily lives more quickly.

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a sudden injury to the head from an external force that affects the healthy functioning of the brain. It can result from a bump or blow to the head or by an object penetrating the skull. Some TBIs are mild and result in only acute, temporary issues, but a more severe TBI can lead to severe physical and psychological symptoms, loss of consciousness, and even death.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?

The signs and symptoms of TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain that is affected. Symptoms typically fall into four different categories, including physical, cognitive, mood, and sleep issues.

Physical Issues

• Nausea or vomiting especially in the early stages)
• Headache (which may get worse or not go away)
• Slurred speech
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Blurry and/or fuzzy vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Balance problems
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise
• Fatigue; lacking energy
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Behavioral changes
• Numbness or tingling of arms or legs
• Enlargement of the pupil of one or both eyes (more typical in moderate to severe TBI)
• Loss of coordination (more typical in moderate to severe TBI)
• Seizures or convulsions (more typical in moderate to severe TBI)

Cognitive Problems

• Confusion
• Concentration difficulties
• Memory impairment, especially in remembering new information
• Troubles with attention, thinking, and/or reasoning

Mood Issues

• Mood changes
• Emotions are intensified
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Depression

Sleep Problems

• A change in sleep habits
• More sleep than usual
• Less sleep than usual
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Inability to wake from sleep (moderate to severe TBI)

A person with TBI may or may not lose consciousness, and loss of consciousness is not always a sign of severe TBI.

Some of these signs and symptoms may appear immediately, others may not be noticed for days, weeks, or even months after the injury. People who suffer TBI need to be aware of the potential for these problems to arise and be able to recognize them if they occur.

Non-Invasive Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Many people not only suffer a brain injury but simultaneously suffer a cervical spine injury as well. An injury to the upper cervical spine can have a wide range of adverse effects on the body’s ability to heal and repair. It is imperative that an upper cervical chiropractor performs a correction of any upper cervical spinal misalignment so the body can have the optimal nervous system function to promote healing. Fortunately, upper cervical chiropractic care requires only a gentle correction targeting the upper cervical vertebrae—it does not involve any sudden force that produces cracking and popping or could worsen a TBI.

The upper cervical spine houses the brain stem and the upper portion of the spinal cord. When the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are out of their correct alignment, it can cause irritation to the brain stem, spinal cord, and nerves that flow from it. Consequently, this irritation can impair the necessary nervous functions needed for optimal health and healing of the brain and body. A properly aligned upper cervical spine allows the transmission of signals from these vital components of the nervous system to reach their targets without interference.

In this way, upper cervical chiropractic care can help fix the root cause of TBI, not just address the symptoms. Moreover, as upper cervical chiropractic care makes the necessary corrections to allow for excellent nervous function, it can lead to a shorter recovery period for TBI sufferers, enabling them to return to their daily lives and activities sooner.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Arizona Traumatic Brain Injury

When you’re searching for upper cervical chiropractors near me, look for an upper cervical chiropractor with expertise and experience in treating traumatic brain injury. Dr. Anthony Montoya of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Arizona is a trusted upper cervical Phoenix chiropractor who has the skills and qualifications to help heal your traumatic brain injury, potentially in a shortened recovery time, while providing whole-body healing. Why suffer from the challenges associated with traumatic brain injury longer than necessary when you could get lasting relief in just a few sessions? Contact Dr. Montoya today to schedule a consultation.