First of all, what is a concussion?

It is a traumatic injury to the brain that occurs through sharp changes in momentum of the head, which causes movement of the brain within the skull. This movement causes a shearing/stretching force to be put through different neurons of the brain. There is a cascade of events that occur after this traumatic event. Cells required to produce energy for the neurons are displaced, creating an energy deficiency of the neurons in the brain, at the same time that there is inflammation in the cells of the brain that requires energy to recover. This energy imbalance creates fatigue in the neurons in the brain, and suddenly, simple tasks such as memory, concentration, balance, coordination etc, become much more difficult for the brain to complete effectively.

This energy imbalance is not a simple issue and requires a gradual return to safe exercise in order to be properly processed. The corresponding increase in blood from cardiovascular exercise is a key factor in accelerating the restoration of normal energy levels to the affected neurons, allowing the brain to get back to its normal function. Improper rehabilitation of a concussion can lead to Post Concussion Syndrome. Here at PEAK we are lucky to have Callum MacDiarmid, an expert in addressing symptoms that arise from previous concussion injuries, such as vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and chronic headaches.