Brett Favre, the legendary NFL quarterback, revealed in 2024 his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting it may be linked to the multiple concussions he sustained throughout his football career. His announcement underscores a critical issue that affects many professional football players, as well as everyday individuals: the long-term effects of head injuries on brain health. Concussions don’t only occur on the football field; they are a prevalent risk for adults and children in everyday life, often going unrecognized or untreated. For adults, concussions can happen during activities like cycling, recreational sports, car accidents, or even a simple fall at home. Children, who are naturally more physically active, are also susceptible to head injuries. They may sustain concussions while playing on the playground, participating in contact sports, or even through accidental bumps and falls in their everyday routines.
These injuries, while sometimes appearing minor, can have cumulative effects, leading to symptoms such as cognitive decline, emotional/mood instability, and physical ailments later in life. Whether it’s a sports injury or an accident, concussions can have profound impacts on brain function and health. Understanding these impacts, especially in light of new research, is key to preventing serious long-term neurological conditions. At Newbridge, we specialize in concussion care, focusing on treating the underlying damage that head injuries can cause.
→ Get concussion care that matters for long term brain health. Call (612) 730-2237 to learn more about our approach and treatment options.
Concussions and the Blood-Brain Barrier
One of the key concerns with concussions is the potential damage they can cause to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB acts as a protective shield for the brain, preventing harmful substances like toxins, pathogens, and antigens from entering. However, concussions can weaken this barrier, allowing these harmful elements to infiltrate the brain. This breach can lead to inflammation and trigger a cascade of issues, including increased risks for neurological conditions such as:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Dementia
- ADHD
- Mood and anxiety disorders
A 2020 study published in Family Medicine and Community Health confirmed the strong association between concussions and the development of these conditions, reinforcing the importance of timely and effective concussion treatment. Here’s a deeper look into why these risks increase:
1. Parkinson’s Disease:
Concussions, particularly repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s by promoting neuroinflammation and the buildup of toxic proteins, such as alpha-synuclein. This accumulation can damage dopamine-producing neurons, leading to Parkinson’s symptoms over time
2. Dementia:
Concussions disrupt the blood-brain barrier, leading to chronic inflammation and the deposition of abnormal proteins such as amyloid-beta and tau, both associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Over time, these proteins interfere with neural signaling and lead to cognitive decline. Studies show that individuals with a history of head trauma are significantly more likely to develop dementia (Morissette et al., 2020).
3. ADHD:
There is growing evidence that concussions, particularly in younger populations, can alter brain development, leading to attentional deficits similar to ADHD. Brain injuries can disrupt the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function. A 2020 study indicated that individuals who experienced a concussion had a 1.39 times higher risk of developing ADHD later in life.
4. Mood and Anxiety Disorders:
Concussions can lead to neuroinflammation and changes in brain areas that regulate mood, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This can result in mood swings, anxiety, and depression, which are commonly reported after head injuries. Neurochemical imbalances, combined with the physical effects of brain trauma, increase the likelihood of developing mood and anxiety disorders.
Early Intervention: The Key to Long-Term Brain Health
Concussions trigger a range of physiological and neurological changes that heighten the risk for conditions like Parkinson’s, dementia, ADHD, and mood disorders. These risks stem from chronic inflammation, protein accumulation, and structural brain damage, which interfere with normal brain functions. Early and comprehensive treatment is essential to mitigate these risks and promote long-term brain health.
At Newbridge, we offer a range of innovative treatments designed to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support brain recovery after a concussion.
Our Treatment Options
CranioSacral Therapy (CST):
CST is a gentle, hands-on therapy that helps to relieve tension and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which can reduce common concussion symptoms like headaches, brain fog, and emotional disturbances.
Neurotherapy:
We utilize qEEG evaluations to assess brainwave activity and neurofeedback therapies like IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback and neurofield treatments to restore optimal brain function and alleviate post-concussion symptoms. → Learn more
Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM):
FSM is an advanced therapy that targets injured tissues with specific frequencies of electrical currents, promoting faster healing of damaged brain tissues. → Learn more
Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT & EWOT):
Oxygen therapy, including mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) and Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), is a powerful tool for boosting brain oxygen levels, accelerating the healing process, and improving cognitive function after a concussion. → Learn more
Functional Medicine Consultations:
Our personalized functional medicine approach involves creating individualized nutrition and anti-inflammatory plans to support brain health, reduce systemic inflammation, and strengthen the blood-brain barrier. → Learn more
Detoxification Therapies for Concussion Recovery
Detoxification is another critical aspect of our concussion treatment protocol. By helping the body eliminate toxins and reduce inflammation, we support the brain’s healing process. Some of our effective detox therapies include:
- Infrared or ozone sauna: These therapies help enhance detoxification through sweating, promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation. →Learn more
- IV therapies: We offer Glutathione, NAD+, and phospholipid infusions, which are powerful antioxidants and cellular repair agents, helping the brain recover more efficiently from injury. → Learn more
- Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Light Therapy): This non-invasive therapy uses light to stimulate cellular energy production, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing. → Learn more
The Bottom Line
Whether your concussion is recent or old, the long-term effects on brain health can be significant. At Newbridge, we offer a comprehensive, science-backed approach to concussion recovery aimed at reducing inflammation, repairing the blood-brain barrier, and lowering the risk of long-term neurological damage. And intervention is always an option, even if the concussion occurred a long time ago.
If you or a loved one has experienced a head injury, contact us today to explore how we can help you on the path to recovery and optimal brain health.
