Concussion- Orthomolecular Approach

Some 30,000 concussion or head injury related incidents are reported annually … If you suffer from concussion symptoms and you live in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Hamilton or Niagara, advanced orthomolecular nutrition at the NMRC may be one of the best treatment approaches.

A Behind the Scenes Look at Concussion Injury

When the head is aggressively hit or injured, the underlying brain tissue can be affected in a negative way. Common causes of concussion injury include sports accidents, vehicle collisions, falls, violence, or combat related injuries.

Symptoms of Concussion Injury

Symptoms include headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, sleep pattern upset, blurred vision, confusion, tired eyes, ringing ears, bad taste, behavioral change, mood changes, poor memory, reduced concentration, and inattention.  More severe cases may have constant headaches, frequent nausea or vomiting, convulsions, waking despondency, slurred speech, altered pupil dilation, numbness or weakness of the arms or legs, incoordination, agitation, and restlessness.

Hormone Related Imbalances Are Often Overlooked

One of the often overlooked aspects of concussions is the damage done to the hormone producing glands in the brain, especially the pituitary and hypothalamus.

Depending on the type of injury, hormone problems can surface immediately or in some cases, months after the injury.

The pituitary and hypothalamus are ‘orchestra conductors’ that tell endocrine glands what to do.  Chief among the endocrine glands are the thyroid and adrenal glands. These glands have actions that extend throughout the entire body. 

Adrenal Problems that Occur Right After a Concussion

Right after a concussion there is often a reduction in adrenal gland output.  When this occurs we see fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, vomiting, and dehydration.

Other glandular problems that occur soon after a concussion include:

1)  low sodium metabolism that causes headaches, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, and convulsions; and

2)  poor pituitary ADH production that causes extreme thirst and frequent urination.

Thyroid Problems that Occur Months After a Concussion

Months after a concussion we often see a greatly weakened thyroid system with a reduction in the output of thyroid hormone.  When this occurs we see fatigue, low blood pressure, vomiting, weight loss or gain, dehydration, constipation, cold intolerance, and in women, irregular periods.

Other glandular problems that occur months after a concussion include:

1) poor sex hormone output that causes loss of periods in women, sexual dysfunction in men, and body hair loss;

2) poor growth hormone production that causes growth problems in kids, and fat, muscle loss, bone loss, and low energy in adults; and

3) increased prolactin levels that cause menstrual irregularity and erectile dysfunction.

Conventional Medical Approach

Concussion patients may have imaging studies done; for example, a brain MRI to rule out pituitary growths, cysts, or other problems.  Then the medical approach is to ‘replace what’s missing’ with hormone therapy.  Other treatments may include reducing or increasing fluid intake, IV salt, and various medications.

Orthomolecular Approach

Concussion patients should have an advanced look at the 15 syndromes associated with global health and pay particular attention to adrenal and thyroid metabolism, electrolyte imbalance, and other glandular health considerations.


Clinical approaches are implemented by the Naturopathic Medical Research Clinic.
