Brain Injuries
Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury
Concussion/TBI is a brain injury that changes the way the brain functions. Most of the time, structural damage does not occur, and imaging of the brain like MRI and CT brain scans are usually normal, but symptoms like headaches, head pressure, confusion, fogginess, dizziness, nausea, delayed responses to questions, and memory loss typically occur. No two head traumas are exactly the same, and due to the shape of the human skull, there is always a rotational aspect to head traumas that causes the brain to twist and damage the central or inner parts of the brain, leading to the symptoms listed above. Concussions do not always result in loss of consciousness, which is a common mistake when diagnosing.
Hypoxic Brain Injury
Hypoxic brain injury is a condition where reduced oxygen supply damages the brain. Oxygen is one of the major fuel supplies of the brain, and oxygen absent for even a tiny amount of time can lead to permanent brain cell death. Many conditions can result in a mild form of hypoxic brain injuries, such as severe asthma, anemia, the ascent from deep water dives, flying in an unpressurized cabin, and intense exercise at high altitudes. More severe cases of hypoxic brain injury stem from situations such as drowning, choking, strangulation, pre and postnatal traumatic events, smoke inhalation, drug overdoses, and shock. Symptoms can alter significantly depending on the area of the brain that is affected.
Vertigo
The eyes provide a direct link to our brains. By correcting muscle fatigue in the muscles surrounding the eyes, Optimal You Wellness Center can reduce dizziness and vertigo. Combining intensive balance and gait training, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, and chiropractic adjustment, we see excellent results in those suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and blurred vision. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is an individualized treatment regimen for patients with visual deficits as a direct result of physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological disorders. This method is used to improve cognitive and motor functions by stimulating neurological pathways in the brain, which may not be working to the same capacity as others. This is accomplished through physical therapy for the eyes, which are direct pathways to the brain. Vision plays a significant role in our ability to balance, orient ourselves in space, and process the movement of things in our environment. Dr. Thomas performs various tests to determine weak neurological pathways and then creates a personalized rehabilitation program designed to engage those specific pathways. Therefore, no two patients’ treatments are the same.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to an area of the brain, leading to brain cell damage and death. There are two types of stroke. The first is from a blockage of blood flow, whereas the second is from bleeding. The area of the brain that receives a lack of blood supply or is damaged by bleeding will result in dysfunction. Some damage can recover, while some damage will remain permanent without proper treatment. Symptoms can occur rapidly, including the inability to move or feel one side of the face or body, difficulty with speech, and vertigo. This is a medical emergency. Once the patient is in a stable condition, they should consider seeking a functional brain analysis with specific brain therapy to regain function.