By Briana Vannozzi
Correspondent
We know a concussion happens from impact to the brain caused by a blow or sudden jolt to the head. But what doctors and the medical world at large are still figuring out is exactly what happens inside following the damage.
“There’s injury to the nerves inside the brain. They’re torn, they’re sheared and that actually leads to a change in the chemicals inside the brain. Chemicals that move inside and outside nerves,” said Dr. Gary Miller of the JFK Headache Center of the Neuroscience Institute.
To get a better sense of this, Dr. Miller, a specialist at JFK’s Neuroscience Center, shows us a slide of normal brain activity compared to a brain after concussion and severe injury. Activity is extremely slow — to allow for healing and the rewiring of neural connections.
When asked what he typically sees when those patients come in, Dr. Miller said, “Dizziness, headache, nausea, sometimes problems with thinking, trouble with short term memory.”
There are also psychological symptoms less frequently discussed — anxiety, depression and moodiness.
“It’s important to be aware of the emotional impact of a concussion — is that because the brain chemistry is changing or is it because the recovery is so frustrating? We know without any doubt the recovery can be very frustrating,” Dr. Miller said.
Like in the case of the Ohio State football player who recently committed suicide.
“They’re having trouble responding to just normal everyday activities and that is frustrating for patients without emotional disturbance. When they already present with some emotional disturbance in their background, that can be a significant issue,” Dr. Miller said.
“I took a pretty good knock to the head and it happens it wrestling. But about two days later I was having trouble sleeping, super sensitive to light, TV gave me headaches, sitting in class trying to focus I was getting a lot of headaches,” said Kevin Innis, athlete and former concussion patient.
“One really important thing as an athletic trainer on the sideline is knowing your kids. Trying to see when they’re lying to you, not lying to you and knowing the symptoms,” said SportsCare Center Personal Trainer Joe Frasciello.
Doctor’s say the best chance for a recovery is complete rest for your brain. That means no TV, no texting, no technology and not returning to activities until all of your symptoms are gone.
Dr. Miller explains that second impact syndrome — commonly seen in athletes — is most dangerous.
“If they have a second impact within several weeks after the initial impact, they have a greater risk for swelling of the brain and even death,” he said.
Both doctors and patients say the most difficult part of the recovery can be the invisible nature of the injury and its symptoms. There are often no obvious signs to show the brain is functioning at a slower pace. Many MRIs are inconclusive. But heightened awareness is bringing more research, and more research means possible answers.