A Path to Restoring Brain Health

MTBI is often used synonymously with another familiar term, concussion. We discover what military, law enforcement officials, fire fighters, and first responders can incur during training or in action that can lead to a MTBI. Repetitive sub-concussive blast exposure leading to MTBI is also addressed. Amateur athletes to professional weekend warriors are also known to sustain MTBI on the field and during practice. Finally, the general public is at risk for MTBI due to falls, motor vehicle accidents, and/or violence.

PTSD is defined by the veteran affairs as “a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.” Any person can develop PTSD at any time and at any age from a young abused child to a seasoned first responder in a crisis situation. PTSD symptoms can start right after the event, months, or even years later. There are general symptoms; however, individuals exhibit them in their own way.

Moral injury is experienced by military personnel, law enforcement, first responders, and many other high threat occupations. Healing from a moral injury is best dealt with through a holistic health care model. Understanding how to reintegrate a person after a moral injury leads to personal growth and protection against anxiety and depression. Focusing on skills and practices to prevent moral injury and providing a path of recovery is essential for becoming resilient.

Stress is any imbalance in your internal system. What stress is, how it effects the body and the brain, and how to manage it is very important. Life may feel like it is exploding, imploding, or just toppling over. The effort to get through life’s stressors can take an enormous toll on our mind, body, and spirit. It is also hard to avoid people in life that are heavily affected by stress. From traffic, cost of living, emails, texting, cell phones, family, and workload we are affected every day.

Sleep is one of the most important activities any human being can do. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults sleep seven to nine hours a night. Many individuals experience sleep disturbances. We will learn about common sleep issues including short-term insomnia, chronic insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). One of the biggest misconceptions is that when one goes to sleep the brain shuts down and goes to sleep too. In fact, the brain is much more active during sleep and goes through different patterns of activity.

Pain is the body’s way of communicating that something is wrong. Once the injury heals the pain subsides. Unfortunately, some people develop chronic pain, pain that lasts more than 3 months. This pain then affects day to day life and mental health. Pain and headaches are a leading cause of employees missing work. Many people who suffer from chronic pain usually only receive about 25% relief with medications or procedures. Luckily there are other approaches to help treat chronic pain when active rehabilitation, education, and pain psychology is implemented.

Fuel includes food, alcohol, and supplements. What is good, what is bad, what is needed, and what is not necessary. The goal is to gain knowledge and resources to make good food choices and avoid nutrient void items. Another focus will be on what the body is missing and how supplements can replace what is needed. The information will assist the learner with understanding which supplements and diets are recommended for brain health optimization. Knowing that too much alcohol is not “good” for the body, this section will focus on the specifics of how alcohol affects the injured brain.

Exercise or output, in other words, is a mechanism to promote brain health, ease chronic pain symptoms, aid with sleep, and manage stress. Giving up exercise can lead to weight gain, heart and vascular disease, or simply missing out on activities that require physical movements. Exercise increases the body’s relaxation response that helps to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Exercise enhances mood, strengthens muscles, and promotes restful sleep. Any form of exercise that is consistent is the best method for each individual.