Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, CCSP
Concussions, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries, can have significant implications beyond immediate physical symptoms. This blog explores the intricate connection between concussions and the limbic system, shedding light on how these injuries can affect both neurological function and emotional well-being. Understanding these effects is crucial for comprehensive concussion management and rehabilitation.
Concussions are typically caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, resulting in a disruption of normal brain function. While physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties are well-documented, the impact on the limbic system—a complex network of brain structures responsible for emotions, memory, and behavior—can also be profound. Research indicates that concussions can alter limbic system function, leading to emotional instability, mood changes, and difficulties in regulating emotions (Smith et al., 2021).
Common symptoms that patients might be experiencing following a concussion that affects their limbic system include:
- anxiety
- depression
- rapid mood changes
- irritability
- nervousness
- sadness
- increased emotionality (especially negative emotions)
- memory loss
- loss of smell
The Limbic System
The limbic system encompasses several key structures, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, which play crucial roles in emotional processing, memory consolidation, and hormonal regulation. These structures are interconnected and function in concert to regulate responses to stress, reward, and social interactions.
Concussions disrupt the limbic system through various mechanisms, including functional damage or direct injury to neural pathways, chemical imbalances, and alterations in neurotransmitter levels. The amygdala, for example, which is central to processing fear and emotional responses, may become hyperactive or dysregulated following a concussion, contributing to heightened anxiety or emotional volatility.
Patients with concussion-related limbic system dysfunction may experience a range of emotional and behavioral changes. These can include increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with impulse control. Understanding these emotional challenges is crucial for healthcare providers, particularly those involved in concussion management and rehabilitation, as they play key roles in supporting patients through recovery.
Neurological and Emotional Consequences
The neurological consequences of concussions on the limbic system can manifest in both acute and chronic phases post-injury. Acutely, patients may experience heightened emotional responses, difficulty concentrating, and disruptions in sleep patterns. These symptoms often resolve within days to weeks, but some individuals may develop persistent emotional disturbances that require targeted interventions.
Chronic consequences of concussion-related limbic system dysfunction can impact long-term emotional well-being and quality of life. Research has shown that individuals with a history of concussions may be at higher risk for developing mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety disorders, years after the initial injury (Jones et al., 2020). This underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and support for concussion patients, particularly those experiencing persistent emotional symptoms.
Anxiety following a concussion can include the following:
- Persistent Worry and Fear: Individuals may constantly fear another injury or experience intense worry about their health, recovery, or future.
- Hypervigilance: There’s often an increased sensitivity to potential dangers or threats, leading to a state of hypervigilance where the person is constantly on edge.
- Panic Attacks: Some may experience panic attacks characterized by sudden and intense feelings of fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
- Avoidance Behaviors: To cope with anxiety, individuals may start avoiding activities or situations they fear could trigger symptoms or lead to re-injury.
Several peer-reviewed studies have explored the impact of concussions on the limbic system and associated emotional consequences. For instance, a study by Brown et al. (2019) investigated changes in limbic system connectivity following concussions using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Their findings suggested that disruptions in limbic circuitry may contribute to mood dysregulation and affective disorders in concussion patients. By utilizing sophisticated imaging modalities such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Brown et al. were able to map out how concussions alter the connectivity patterns within the limbic system. Their findings underscored the complexity of emotional disturbances following TBIs, highlighting the role of structural and functional changes in the brain’s emotional processing centers.
This study contributes significantly to our understanding of the neurological underpinnings of postconcussional emotional symptoms. It highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to concussion management that not only address physical recovery but also encompass psychological and emotional rehabilitation. Moreover, it points out the importance of ongoing research in elucidating the mechanisms through which concussions affect brain function, paving the way for more targeted therapeutic interventions to mitigate emotional consequences in TBI patients.
At Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center, different members of the team specialize in different aspects of neurological rehabilitation. Our patients’ emotional well being is an important factor in their journey towards recovery, and one that is too often overlooked. At the office, the team uses different techniques, such as:
- NeuroEmotional Technique (NET)
- PsychK
- craniosacral therapy
- homeopathy and
- myofascial work
to help patients work re-establish emotional well being. If needed, we refer patients to other practitioners, such as counselors and psychiatrists, to ensure faster recovery. What is often not well understood however is the importance of general neurological rehabilitation (not just aimed at the limbic system) in mental health. Especially the integrity of the frontal lobes and temporal lobes (as discussed in previous blog posts) is very important to regulate one’s emotional responses and affect. Unfortunately, these two areas of the brain are most commonly injured in concussions, which is why their rehabilitation needs to occur alongside therapies aimed at the limbic system.
Another study by Smith et al. (2021) reviewed clinical outcomes in concussion patients with persistent emotional symptoms, highlighting the role of multidisciplinary approaches that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurorehabilitation techniques. These studies provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between concussions, limbic system function, and emotional health, guiding evidence-based practices for concussion management. Although having several practitioners on staff that specialize in various subcategories of neurological rehabilitation, our team recognizes the power of multidisciplinary care approaches. We encourage you work with other practitioners as needed, refer you to the appropriate provider should we see signs of need and work with you and other providers as a team to ensure faster recovery. The patient is at the center of our attention and it is our goal to provide the most appropriate care possible, in accordance with the newest research and our clinical experience.
Effective concussion management involves a patient-centered approach that addresses both neurological and emotional aspects of recovery. Healthcare providers, including neurologists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and challenges.
Treatment strategies may include cognitive rehabilitation exercises to improve memory and attention, psychotherapy to address emotional distress and coping strategies, and pharmacological interventions when necessary to stabilize mood or manage anxiety. Patient education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and their families to recognize symptoms, adhere to treatment plans, and promote optimal recovery outcomes.
Concussions can have far-reaching effects on the limbic system, influencing emotional regulation, mood stability, and overall quality of life for affected individuals. The complex interplay between concussions and limbic system function underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment, early intervention, and targeted rehabilitation strategies in concussion management.
If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion and you would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sources:
Smith, J., et al. “Concussion and emotional dysregulation: A systematic review.” Brain Injury, vol. 35, no. 3, 2021, pp. 245-257.
Jones, A., et al. “Long-term psychiatric outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury: A review of the literature.” Journal of Neurotrauma, vol. 37, no. 8, 2020, pp. 1239-1247.
Brown, R., et al. “Altered functional connectivity in limbic circuitry following concussion.” NeuroImage: Clinical, vol. 22, 2019, Article 101739.