By Dr. Craig Fasullo, ND
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBI, have gotten more attention in the past few years – and for very good reason. Acute trauma to the head can have lasting effects, and repeated injury has been clearly proven to significantly increase risk of several severe degenerative diseases, including dementia. It is absolutely vital that we do everything we can to keep our brains healthy to minimize the possibility of developing these conditions.
Regardless of the condition, the number one consideration in Naturopathic care is always prevention. Reducing the risk of injury to the brain is always the most important step one can take. From avoiding high risk activities to using the proper protective gear, there is no replacement for making good proactive decisions to keep your head from injury. But unfortunately, accidents happen, and in those cases, rapid treatment is vital.
The most important thing to do following a head injury is to allow for brain rest. In today’s world, that means avoiding all screens, including cell phones. Brain rest is imperative to allow for healing to occur. Further forms of brain rest come in the form of meditation. Meditation is generally becoming more popular in the US, likely the result of it being a powerful antidote to the fast-paced, non-stop culture in which we currently live. Many people quickly dismiss meditation, believing that it’s just too difficult. However, just as you need to learn how to play the piano or drive a car, meditation takes practice. Following a brain injury, supportive guided meditation is a fantastic tool that is accessible to anyone; it dramatically helps to quiet the mind and allows for healing.
Additionally, there are numerous supportive natural treatments to consider which can help the brain after injury. Antioxidants, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids have all been shown to beneficially affect treatment of traumatic brain injury, and all are very safe in individuals of all ages, including children. Whether you are interested in preventative treatment for maintaining a healthy brain or are in need of acute care, a Naturopathic Physician can support you in making the best choices to keep a sharp mind for many years to come.
Dr. Craig Fasullo is a Naturopathic Physician skilled in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease, focused on maximizing the health and well-being of each patient. To read more about him, please check out his practitioner biography. He is available for appointments at SNHC on Tuesdays. Call (860) 536.3880 to schedule.
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