Concussions, often called the ‘invisible injury’ because there are no apparent external symptoms, can affect people at all stages of life following an incident like a fall (elderly), heads banging in a school yard (children), or individuals of any age playing a sport. Sometimes it can be something completely innocuous that causes an impact to the head. Concussion can have short-term and long-term effects on the brain and body, often resulting is what is called a ‘cellular crisis’. The body has increased nutrition needs during this time, but currently there is no recommended nutrition therapy.
In this KHNI Q Science Short, Dr. Lisa Ryan, PhD, RNutr discusses the latest research on the effects of brain injury and how nutrition may have a role in brain health recovery.
Learn answers to questions like:
- What is a concussion/brain injury?
- What physiological effect does it have on the body?
- How is concussion currently managed?
- Why might nutrition have a role to play?
- Which nutrients and non-nutrients are postulated to play a role?
Contributor:
Lisa Ryan, PhD
Acting Head of the School of Science and Computing & Head of the Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition - ATU
Dr. Lisa Ryan, a Registered Nutritionist, joined ATU in 2015 from Monash University. Lisa co-founded the Irish Concussion Research Centre and is widely published in concussion, nutrition, and functional foods, with research focusing on female rugby players and concussion management.
