Concussion is defined as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that temporarily affects brain function. Recent research reveals that in addition to the brain injured tissue there is also a disruption of the basic motion of the skull. This disruption directly affects the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and blood flow into and out of the brain tissue. Because most practitioners are unaware of this new research, most if not all patients suffering concussion go undiagnosed with this structural problem. For this reason, many post-concussion patients are plagued with lingering symptoms such as headaches, trouble with thinking, memory or concentration, mental fog, facial, neck or low back pain, nausea, blurry vision, sleep disturbances or mood changes.
This newer technology views concussion from two perspectives—first, physiologically and second structurally.
Physiologically the brain undergoes physical trauma which can result in bleeding, swelling and neurological damage to the brain cells due to a build up of toxic metabolic waste products.
Structurally (unknown to most medical practitioners) there is a major disturbance in the basic motion of the base of the skull. This latter aspect has been totally ignored because most practitioners are not aware that this process even exists. In laymen terms, the base of the skull (formed by the junction of the occipital and sphenoid bones) moves into flexion upon inhalation and into extension with exhalation. When a concussion occurs, this motion gets reversed and places excess tension on the entire dural membrane system, which attaches around the brain, exits through the foramen magnum, attaches tenaciously to the upper three cervical vertebrae and extends all the way down to the second sacral tubercle. A trauma-induced reversal of this motion is one of the major underlying cause for many of the common symptoms associated with concussion.
When a practitioner skilled in the specialty of Craniopathy resets the skull motion, by gentle manipulation, back to “factory default” the function of the brain immediately responds as witnessed by almost instantaneous resolution of many lingering symptoms.
Treatment should also include systemic enzymes to reduce chronic inflammation plus food based supplements to assist brain repair. In addition, hi-tech energy therapy such as the Theraphi System offers a comprehensive program that enhances patient recovery faster than most traditional approaches.
Gerald H. Smith, DDS, DNM