Concussion - What Happens in the Brain

A concussion can affect far more than what appears on a routine scan. What actually happens in the brain, and why can symptoms persist even without a direct hit to the head?In this episode of Dr. M Experienced, with Dr. David Musnick, Dr. M explains concussion and traumatic brain injury mechanisms and why care should go beyond ruling out a brain bleed and simply waiting.Topics include:• Structural injury, neural shearing, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation • Oxidative stress, hypoxia, and blood-brain barrier disruption • Brain autoimmunity, hormones, pituitary involvement, and vagus nerve dysfunction • Mitochondrial dysfunction, protein-folding abnormalities, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis • Gut-microbiome changes after injury • Brain fog, headache, dizziness, emotional instability, fatigue, sleepiness, and brain-based fatigue • Why a concussion can occur without the head directly striking an objectRelated episode:• The Brain on Fire - Neuroinflammation After Concussion: https://drmexperienced.com/episodes/episode-7-the-brain-on-fire/Resources and product guide:• Episode page, video, audio, and notes: https://drmexperienced.com/episodes/episode-6-concussion-and-pathophysiology/ • Complete affiliate and product guide: https://drmexperienced.com/affiliates/Some links in our product guide are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Dr. M Experienced may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Product mentions are educational and are not medical advice.This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical care. Seek prompt medical evaluation after a suspected concussion or head injury, and use an appropriately qualified clinician for diagnosis, treatment, testing, supplements, and return-to-play or return-to-activity decisions.