Brain Injury Awareness II

This study on Traumatic Brain Injury has been very insightful and thought provoking. Maybe some of why we do what we do has a deeper hidden reason. Last week, we looked at traumatic brain injury which is due to an external mechanical force. Today we will look at other causes for brain damage as well as CTE.

Other Causes of Brain Damage

Drugs – Mind altering drugs can damage the brain. Such drugs would be methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, opioids, marijuana. Some prescriptions drugs can also cause damage, such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, sleep medication, and seizure drugs. By muscle-testing clients, I have found that these medications damage to the brain. This is a simple statement, but a truth that must be addressed for healing to happen.

Vaccines – Nearly ALL vaccines damage the brain. They are known to cause the brain to swell (Encephalitis). This is why after getting vaccination, often babies or children will regress mentally, or start banging their head against the wall. Childhood vaccinations are also linked to autism. See Vaxxed.

Trauma & Stress – Traumatic Stress can affect the brain. It is associated with lasting changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex [1]. It is known to increase cortisol and norepinephrine responses to subsequent stressors. Some forms of traumatic stress can be: death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a significant relationship, loss of something of value. PTSD can also alter the structure and function of the brain [2]. Here is a Ted Talk about how trauma affects brain function. The speaker is Dr. John Rigg the director of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Fort Gordon, Eisenhower Army Medical Center.

Lack of Sleep – Studies indicate that lack of sleep leads to neurological damage in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in learning and memory. In fact, sleep loss over long periods can even increase risk for Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. [3]

Radiation – EMF from cell phones and other wireless devices are said to cause damage to the brain. Some of the symptoms caused by EMFs are: headaches, nausea, anxiety, tinnitus, insomnia, dizziness, and more. Brain tumors are also on the rise. See my July 20, 2015 newsletter.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

This is from Wikipedia: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease, linked to repeated trauma to the head. The disease often gets worse over time . . . . Most documented cases have occurred in athletes involved in strike-based combat sports, such as boxing and football . . . Other risk factors include being in the military (combat arms), domestic violence, and repeated banging of the head. . . . as of 2022 definitive diagnosis can only occur at autopsy.

There is no specific treatment for the disease. Rates of CTE have been found to be about 30% among those with a history of multiple head injuries [1].

Symptoms of CTE, which occur in four stages, generally appear eight to ten years after an individual experiences repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries. First-stage symptoms are confusion, disorientation, dizziness, and headache. Second-stage symptoms include… READ MORE

HELP for Brain Damage

Fortunately, our brain has neuroplasticity, which means it can heal. Whether one has brain damage from TBI or otherwise, there is help. Here are some suggestions that have shown good results:

Mind Trak – A synergistic blend of whole herbs for optimum mental and emotional balance. As herbs do not have the long-term side effects that many chemicals do, this formula is a safe choice to help brain function. It has been used for concussions, drug addictions, enhanced memory help, swelling or damage to the brain, as well as brain tumors.

Coconut Oil – Our brain is mostly made of fat, 60% by weight. Brain cell membrane integrity largely depends on the quality of the fats we eat. See Be Brain Fit for more information.

MODALITIES that HELP

Brain Tapping – In light of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Brain Tap company sent this information about how Brain Tapping can help.

• Guided Meditation for Stress Reduction: Guided meditation sessions specifically designed to reduce stress, fostering a relaxed mental state.
• Brainwave Entrainment with Binaural Beats: Through binaural beats, BrainTap facilitates brainwave entrainment, enhancing focus, mood, and mental clarity.
• Visualizations for Cognitive Stimulation: Light patterns and visualizations engage the brain’s visual cortex, promoting cognitive stimulation and improved mental acuity.
• Positive Neuroplasticity through Reprogramming: Induce positive neuroplastic changes, fostering a more optimistic mindset and enhanced emotional resilience.
• Improved Sleep Quality for Brain Restoration: Promotes relaxation, contributing to better sleep quality and supporting the brain’s restoration processes for improved cognitive function.

Bilateral Music – The underlying science of bilateral music is rooted in bilateral stimulation, which engages both hemispheres of the brain. Studies have shown that bilateral music can significantly reduce levels of stress and anxiety. It is said to help in the healing of PTSD, insomnia, stroke damage, and anxiety and stress. See Bilateral Music Therapy — SANNA DAHLIN.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber – The human brain possesses its own natural repair mechanism, known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the process by which the brain rewires neurons to allow undamaged portions of the brain to take over function from damaged ones. And the main fuel for this process is oxygen.

Unfortunately, after an injury, the brain cannot often get enough oxygen to fuel its healing process. When a part of the body does not receive the right amount of oxygen, this leads to a condition known as hypoxia. Hypoxia slows down the healing process and, if left untreated, can trigger premature neuronal cell death (necrosis).

Hypoxia is one of the major secondary brain injuries that doctors try to prevent when treating someone with brain injury. However, once hypoxia sets in, it’s almost impossible to reverse.

That’s where hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes in. The idea is, if the brain receives enough concentrated oxygen, this will dramatically boost the healing process and prevent the effects of hypoxia. Read More. At Brodie Wellness Center, they provide quality Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy.

I trust this has been helpful. At Herbs4You, we offer Brain Tapping. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact us, or set up your appointment.