Researchers at UCLA identified a consistent sequence of chemical and other events that follow a concussion, including:
- Nerves are pulled and twisted at the impact site (coup) and on the opposite part of the brain (contrecoup). The impact can travel in all directions.
- Damaged cells dump their neurotransmitters at the axon tear or twist site. This creates a sticky amyloid beta (the same plaque found in Alzheimer’s patients).
- Calcium and sodium infuse into the area.
- Sodium electrifies the cell and calcium starts to destroy the internal structures.
- At the site of trauma, pores open and allow potassium to exit the neurons and more calcium and sodium to enter.
- The sodium brings water with it, causing swelling at the site.
- Too much swelling can result in cell death.
- Neurons attempt to normalize these chemical imbalances and pump potassium back into the damaged cells.
- Potassium inhibits the electrifying effects of sodium.
- These processes require a significant amount of energy, which the neurons get from the mitochondria.
- Mitochondria create their energy from glucose.
- After a short period of time, available energy is depleted and brain function slows considerably.
- An intense feeling of fatigue typically follows concussive injuries.
- If too much calcium enters the damaged cells, the mitochondria is unable to produce any energy and the neurons will die.
- Due to swelling, there is less blood and oxygen flowing to the brain at this critical time. We also believe that misaligned bones in the skull negatively impact this process and slow or prevent recovery.
- The brain secretes even more potassium in an attempt to slow the effects of the injury, resulting in brain fog.
From Concussion Culture, by Roger Turner, D.C.