In the past, people with concussions were told to rest. Rest, and rest some more. But as scientists continue to learn more about the brain and how injury can impact it, treatment recommendations are changing. We now know that prolonged rest can actually make concussions worse. Unfortunately, there are some healthcare professionals that are not keeping up with the latest research on concussions and TBI treatment protocols. So although moderate rest is still important in the early stages after the injury, too much rest for too long creates worse outcomes for patients. To effectively treat a concussion, your treatment plan needs to include a lot more than just rest. Here are four concussion treatments in Denver to try if you’re still struggling to manage your symptoms.
1. Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for concussions—and for good reason. Neurofeedback is a type of brain-based training that can work to address injuries and imbalances in the brain.
If you’ve sustained a concussion, it’s likely that your brainwave frequencies have changed dramatically. Those changes are responsible for many of the symptoms you’re experiencing.
When the brain is injured, it starts to generate too many slow-moving brainwaves. Neurofeedback works to help your brain learn how to produce brainwaves within “normal” or optimal ranges again. The best part? It’s a completely natural, non-invasive treatment option with no major side effects.
2. Gyrostim Therapy
Gyrostim is an advanced type of brain training technology that is used to help improve reaction and processing times, balance, and overall brain performance. During a treatment session, you will sit in a computer-controlled, multi-axis rotating chair.
The chair will rotate you through all kinds of somersaults, twists, and turns, while you’re surrounded by laser targets. Your goal is to use a laser and hit as many targets as possible as they come in and out of your field of vision.
You’ll also work through cognitive and memory exercises to further retrain your brain. Gyrostim is an exceptionally powerful vestibular therapy that helps you learn how to better perceive, process, and react.
3. Dynavision
Dynavision is another fantastic vestibular therapy to try if you or a loved one has sustained a concussion or TBI. As a standard in concussion rehab, this therapy improves responses to visual, gross motor, and neurocognitive tests.
How does it work? Light switches will be arranged in circles (often with five rings) and mounted on the wall. You’ll stand in front of the board and hit the switches that light up as fast as you can. This motor agility training tests and improves your visual-motor coordination, reaction times, and peripheral visual awareness.
4. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT for short, is a cutting-edge treatment that uses oxygen to help heal your body and brain after injury has occurred. This therapy involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. This allows oxygen-rich blood to flow to damaged areas and promote the growth of new stem cells.
Learn more about concussion treatments in Denver
If you or a loved one has sustained a concussion or TBI, reach out to us at McWhorter CNR. Our concussion specialists will work to understand your unique symptoms and create a customized treatment plan to put you on the best possible path to recovery.
Schedule an appointment today to speak with one of our specialists about concussion treatments in Denver.