The Impact of Nutrition on Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery

When recovering from a traumatic brain injury, proper nutrition is crucial. The brain requires energy and specific nutrients to function, and these factors become even more important during the recovery process. Although research on the subject is still in its infancy, researchers have identified a number of dietary factors that contribute to brain repair after a head injury.

 The Department of Defense asked the Institute of Medicine to review studies on the relationship between nutrition and brain recovery in an effort to aid injured soldiers. The researchers concluded that infusions of protein and calories contribute to recovery by reducing inflammation in the brain. The calories also prevent energy deficiencies that could interfere with the repair process.

 Other important nutrients that may play a role during recovery include creatine and zinc. Creatine keeps the brain sharp by providing it with ATP, a molecule that facilitates the transfer of chemical energy in the body. The best dietary sources of creatine are lean meat and eggs.

 Zinc has been shown to reduce brain injury-related depression and improve memory and other cognitive functions. Foods with high zinc content include oysters, beef, spinach, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.

Therapeutic Uses of Botox®

Most people think of Botox® as a cosmetic skin treatment for getting rid of wrinkles, but doctors also use Botox® injections to treat dystonia. Dystonia is a type of neuromuscular disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions. Botox® prevents these contractions by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. Botox® can treat involuntary closure of the eyelids, sudden contraction of facial muscles, limb spasticity, and muscle spasms in the neck.

 

Botox® injections are also an FDA-approved method of managing the symptoms of chronic migraines. The treatment consists of injecting Botox® into multiple areas of the head, neck, and upper back and can be administered once every 12 weeks. Patients who suffer from migraines at least 14 days per month may be eligible for the procedure.

If you suffer from chronic migraines or muscle spasms and want to learn more about Botox®, visit Austin NeuroCare’s Specialty Treatments page. You can also watch this video for further information on Botox® and migraines.

Maintaining a Healthy Nervous System

The nervous system is your body’s communication network, and it affects every function of your mind and body. Keeping the nervous system healthy is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While neurological problems should be handled by a neurologist once they develop, there are several ways that you can improve the general health of your nervous system on your own.

Get Plenty of Rest

One of the best ways to keep your nervous system functioning properly is to get a good night’s sleep. While you sleep, your body strengthens circuits in your nervous system that contribute to learning and memory. When the body is well rested, the nervous system forms dendritic spines that transmit electrical signals between neurons. These dendritic connections improve communication in the body and may improve long-term memory.

Proper Nutrition

Glucose powers the body’s neurons, so eating regularly ensures that the nervous system has plenty of energy. A healthy diet should include plenty of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids facilitate communication between brain cells while B vitamins help to maintain the myelin sheaths that coat nerve fibers. Myelin sheaths contribute to the conduction of nerve impulses, and the breakdown of these sheaths can lead to nervous system disorders.

Exercise

By sending complex signals and neurotransmitters through your brain and nerve pathways, physical exercise gives your nervous system a workout and improves cognition. When you engage in physical activity, the brain releases endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that keep your body functioning properly. Exercise also triggers the brain to create neurons that produce GABA, an important neurotransmitter that calms the brain and reduces the symptoms of anxiety.