Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and concussions aren't just a one-time event. When it comes to the difference between TBI and concussion, most of us are clueless. However, these conditions have a huge effect on those who have experienced a brain injury and are still recovering from its traumatic effects.
So, when does Giving Tuesday start and how can you help us to Save A Brain? From November 30, 2021 to December 3, 2021, HempLucid is donating 5% of sales to Save A Brain, an organization that is providing education, encouraging prevention, and spreading awareness about head injuries.
Read on to learn how to treat head injuries and concussions as well as how to get involved during our Giving Tuesday deals.
Concussion And Traumatic Brain Injury
The differences between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury are subtle but important. A concussion is considered a brain injury that results in temporary loss of normal brain function.
TBIs, on the other hand, are more permanent in terms of their effect. Outcomes range from positive recovery to disability to death. Rehabilitation is often needed to help a person adapt to the physical and cognitive changes that a TBI can cause.
Surprisingly, even though both of these injuries can be sudden and serious, there is a lack of resources. Especially when it comes to recovering and preventing future injuries, patients are often left empty-handed and overwhelmed.
Luckily, organizations like Save A Brain are here to help by providing resources to those in recovery. They also work with other organizations to donate protective helmets and gear to organizations in need.
How TBI Affects The Brain
The term TBI refers to any disruption in normal brain function that may be caused by a sudden or violent impact to the head. An alteration in normal function includes:
- Decrease or loss of consciousness
- Amnesia (loss of memory before or after an event)
- Neurological deficits (i.e. muscle weakness, loss of vision, change in speech)
- Alteration in mental state (i.e. disorientation, slow thinking, difficulty concentrating)
TBIs can also occur when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. The resulting symptoms depend on the severity of the injury.
How To Treat Head Injuries And Concussions
The first step to treating head injuries is to know the signs and symptoms. As mentioned above, symptoms are a result of the severity of the injury. It is important to educate yourself now, before an injury happens, so you know what to do when or if an injury occurs.
Even though some concussions are more serious than others, there are no "mild" or "minor" concussions. A medical professional should be consulted as soon as possible after a head injury to assess the situation.
A second concussion soon after the first is capable of causing disability and more permanent damage. Recognizing the signs of a head injury can quite literally help to prevent permanent damage.
Healing After A Head Injury
After a concussion or head injury, there are a couple crucial steps you can take to help you heal your brain. The stages of recovery are often described as “early phase” and “later phase”.
Early Phase
During early phase recovery, it is important to take the following steps:
- Sleep- Whenever possible, get a good night's sleep. Stick to a regular sleep schedule (even on the weekend)
- Physical Activity- Avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks
- Mental Activity- Avoid strenuous activity 1-2 weeks
Later Phase
During the later phase of recovery, it is important to take the following steps:
- Sleep- Stay aware of any sleep or sleep-related issues
- Physical Activity- Slowly reintroduce with activities such as walking, riding a stationary bike, etc.
- Mental Activity- Listen to your body and slow down or stop activities that may cause you to experience symptoms
Returning to Regular Activities
Generally, a healthcare professional will advise you when to return to your normal activities. This is usually after 7 full days free of the following symptoms:
- Attention difficulties
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Moodiness
- Sleep issues
It can help to practice relaxation techniques and other health practices throughout recovery.
CBD And Head Injuries
You may be wondering if CBD can help with head injuries. The answer is complicated since studies are still being done to determine long-term effects.
However, what experts do know is that CBD (and related cannabinoids) encourage your endocannabinoid system to work properly. This in turn promotes balance in the body and may have a profound effect on brain health.
Cannabis, either in the form of CBD or THC, may be able to beneficially alter brain chemistry and protect brain cells while preserving long-term cognitive function. As mentioned above, studies on the long-term effects are still pending. Overall, cannabis seems like a promising plant for the future of brain injury therapeutic options and many people are eager to see the results of future research.
Everyone is different, so we encourage each person who uses CBD to consult with their healthcare provider before incorporating any unfamiliar products into their wellness routine.
How Giving Tuesday Works
We are so excited to announce HempLucid's partnership with Save A Brain for Giving Tuesday this year! This partnership is one of our Lucid Impact initiatives. Lucid Impact is our corporate social responsibility program, and we seek out programs to partner with that share our values.
Essentially, we believe in what Save A Brain is doing, so much so that we reached out about partnering with them this year. Turns out they felt the same way about us and now we are joining forces to make a difference!
Each Purchase Benefits Save A Brain
With each purchase from Giving Tuesday (November 30) to December 3, 2021, we are donating 5% of all sales to Save A Brain. This means that the more you buy, the more of a difference you can make.
Let's Get To Giving!
This article is in no way a full account of everything you need to know related to brain injuries. There are so many more amazing resources that can be created when organizations like Save A Brain are supported. Donate to Save A Brain by making a HempLucid purchase, starting November 30 (Giving Tuesday) and lasting through December 3.
Mark your calendars so you don't forget!
References
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Traumatic Brain Injury. Aans.org. Published February 3, 2020.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Concussion. Aans.org. Accessed November 2021.
Kossen J. Can Cannabis Prevent and Treat Traumatic Brain Injury? Leafly.com. Published July 24, 2016.
Reid BG. Cannabidiol (CBD) for TBI. Braininjuryhopefoundation.org. Accessed November 2021.
