Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion

Results of recent and ongoing studies have made it clear that brain injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) pose substantial risk to pituitary function, multiple hormones and overall health and wellness. Hypopituitarism may benefit with appropriate hormonal replacement receiving replacement therapy such as antidiuretic hormone, glucocorticoid, and thyroid hormones when needed.

Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy should also be introduced.  Signs and symptoms of post-TBI hypopituitarism are often masked by what has been assumed to be merely the post-traumatic syndrome.  It is possible to improve the quality of life and enhance the posttraumatic brain injury period with hormone replacement therapy.

Clinical evidence has demonstrated that TBI may frequently cause hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, probably contributing to a delayed or hampered recovery from TBI.  Changes in pituitary hormone secretion may be observed during the acute phase post-TBI.  Diminished pituitary hormone secretion, caused by damage to the pituitary and/or hypothalamus, may occur at any time after TBI.

The most common alterations appear to be gonadotropin and somatotropin deficiency, followed by corticotropin and thyrotropin deficiency.

In order to improve outcome and quality of life in individuals who have suffered a TBI an adequate replacement therapy program is of paramount importance.

Check out this video where Dr. Rob explains TBI in more detail.

If you suffered a head injury from:

• Fall
• Gunshot Wound
• Explosive Blasts
• Repetitive Gunfire
• Penetrating Head Injury
• Deceleration Injury
• Chemical Exposure
• Hypoxia or lack of oxygen
• Infection
• Stroke
• Car Accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Numerous Surgeries

Concussion(s) from any sport like:

• Football
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Cycling
• Skiing
• Snowboarding

The Effects of TBI

Most people are unaware of the scope of TBI or its overwhelming nature. TBI is a common injury and may be missed initially when the medical team is focused on saving the individual’s life. Before medical knowledge and technology advanced to control breathing with respirators and decrease intracranial pressure, which is the pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain, the death rate from traumatic brain injuries was very high. Although the medical technology has advanced significantly, the effects of TBI are significant.

TBI is classified into two categories: mild and severe

A brain injury can be classified as mild if loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation is shorter than 30 minutes. While MRI and CAT scans are often normal, the individual has cognitive problems such as:

• headache
• difficulty thinking
• memory problems
• attention deficits
• mood swings
• frustration

These injuries are commonly overlooked.  Even though this type of TBI is called “mild”, the effect on the family and the injured person can be devastating

Severe brain injury is associated with loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes and memory loss after the injury or penetrating skull injury longer than 24 hours. The deficits range from impairment of higher-level cognitive functions to comatose states. Survivors may have:

• limited function of arms or legs
• abnormal speech or language
• loss of thinking ability
• emotional problems

The range of injuries and degree of recovery is very variable and varies on an individual basis.

The effects of TBI can be profound. Individuals with severe injuries can be left in long-term unresponsive states. For many people with severe TBI, long-term rehabilitation is often necessary to maximize function and independence.  Even with mild TBI, the consequences to a person’s life can be dramatic. Change in brain function can have a dramatic impact on family, job, social and community interaction.

There are a few different systems that medical practitioners use to diagnose the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury. This section discusses the Ranchos Los Amigos Scale.

The Ranchos Los Amigos Scale measures the levels of awareness, cognition, behavior and interaction with the environment.

Ranchos Los Amigos Scale:

Level I: No Response

Level II: Generalized Response

Level III: Localized Response

Level IV: Confused-agitated

Level V: Confused-inappropriate

Level VI: Confused-appropriate

Level VII: Automatic-appropriate

Level VIII: Purposeful-appropriate

TBI Treatment for Veterans

The Warrior Angels Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded and run by combat Veteran brothers. Their goal is to give life-changing treatment suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries. We know so many Veterans returning from active duty are commonly plagued with PTSD and TBI, which is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. The Warrior Angels Foundation works closely with Veterans and their families to get them the proper care they deserve.

Dr. Rob is a participating physician with the Warrior Angels Foundation. To apply for the program, visit http://waftbi.org/get-support/ and fill out the form. A representative from the foundation will contact you to discuss the next steps of the program.

There is no obligation, just help from fellow Veterans who have been there and care about your health.

Learn more about The Warrior Angels Foundation

 

The Alpha Male Medical Institute is located conveniently in Springboro, Ohio with easy access from Dayton International Airport, Cincinnati International Airport or the adjacent Wright Brothers Private Airport (MGY) for those travelling by private aviation.

Dr. Rob sees new patients in Ohio and Utah. Only one visit is necessary to perform a comprehensive history, interview, and education. Follow up evaluations, adjustments and balancing of hormones are done by phone or written communications and a return visit to Dr. Rob is not necessary. Ongoing testing and adjustment is mandatory and performed through a laboratory convenient to your home.

In addition to the Ohio office, Dr. Rob sees new patients in Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City appointments can be made by calling the main office number 937-350-5527 for information.

All the Best in Health and Wellness,

Dr. Rob