Did you know that some 30,000 concussions (or head injury related incidents) are reported annually in Canada … If you suffer from concussion symptoms and you live in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Hamilton or Niagara, advanced orthomolecular nutrition is considered one of the best approaches.
A Behind the Scenes Look at Concussion Injury
the head aggressively have the potential to induce brain tissue and function changes.
sudden damage to the brain. It happens when the head hits something violently or is hit again and again, or when an object goes through the skull and into the brain. Causes include
• Falls
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Violence, such as gunshot wounds, child abuse, or beatings
• Injuries from sports or during combat (such as explosions)
the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus—are located in the brain. TBI can injure them, causing hormone problems. A person with TBI may have hormone problems right away or months or even years after the injury.
Symptoms of Concussion Injury
headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. A person with a moderate or severe TBI may show these same symptoms, but may also have a headache that gets worse or does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are like orchestra conductors. Their job is to tell other endocrine glands throughout the body to make the hormones that affect and protect every aspect of your health.
What’s the long-term outlook for TBI-related hormone problems?
The outlook depends on the type of problem and how severe it is. Some endocrine problems may be temporary and disappear within a year after TBI
What hormone problems can happen
one or more problems, depending on the injury. Problems that often occur soon after TBI include
• Adrenal insufficiency: when the adrenal glands don’t make enough hormones; results in fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, vomiting, and dehydration. Adrenal insufficiency can be life-threatening if not treated.
• Diabetes insipidus: when the pituitary doesn’t make enough ADH; results in frequent urination and extreme thirst.
• Hyponatremia: when certain hormone problems upset the balance of salt and water in the body; can result in headache, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, and convulsions.
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Problems that may occur later and their symptoms include
• Hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone): fatigue, constipation, weight gain, irregular menstrual periods, cold intolerance
• Hypogonadism (not enough sex hormones): in women, a stop in menstruation and loss of body hair; in men, sexual dysfunction, breast enlargement, loss of body hair, and muscle loss
• Growth hormone deficiency (not enough growth hormone): in adults, increased fat, loss of muscle and bone, and decreased energy; in kids, growth problems
• Hyperprolactinemia (too much prolactin): irregular menstrual periods, nipple discharge, and erectile dysfunction
• DEFINITIONS
• Hypothalamus: a part of the brain that controls the release of hormones made by the pituitary gland
• Pituitary gland: located at the base of the brain, it’s called the “master gland” because it makes hormones that tell other glands (such as the thyroid or adrenal glands) to make other kinds of hormones
• Thyroid gland: found in the neck, it makes thyroid hormones, which control metabolism; helps the heart, muscles, and other organs work properly
• Adrenal glands: one located on top of each kidney, they make cortisol, which helps the body cope with stress, illness, and injury
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check your hormone levels. You may have an MRI to look at the pituitary gland and check for tumors, cysts, or other problems.
replace what’s missing (called hormone therapy). Other problems require various treatments, such as treating hyponatremia by cutting back on fluid intake, getting an IV (through a vein) salt solution, and taking medicines
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MindCheck provides in-depth information on Orthomolecular and Naturopathic approaches to achieving general and mental health. Clinical approaches are implemented by the Naturopathic Medical Research Clinic in Toronto, Ontario. This series by Dr. Ray Pataracchia ND is endorsed by the Mindful Network – ‘A Better Future for Children’s Mental Health’.
Disclaimer: Information provided is not to be used for self-assessment, diagnosis or treatment. We advise the public to discuss these topics with their health care provider or book an appointment with our Toronto clinic.