20 Questions on Concussion with Dr. Robert Cantu Pt.2

In this July 9, 2020 webinar Concussion Legacy Foundation co-founder and medical director Dr. Robert Cantu, one of the world's experts on concussions, answers dozens of questions on concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome. The webinar was hosted by CLF chief impact officer Tyler Maland.
Dr. Robert Cantu is Medical Director and Director of Clinical Research at the Cantu Concussion Center at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA.
Here is a key to help you find specific questions answered by Dr. Cantu:
0:01:50 - Can you have Post-Concussion Syndrome 30 years after an injury?
0:03:02 - Can you explain why PCS recovery is like a rollercoaster?
0:04:34 - How is it possible to have a setback that lasts several months after just one day of overdoing it?
0:05:18 - When we experience a setback in energy levels where our injury’s original symptoms are heightened is this new damage to neuropathways? Our brain no longer accessing new pathways? Or our brain just getting overwhelmed? When can we do to prevent these setbacks?
0:06:54 - Why do I get PCS flares from small bumps to head?
0:08:40 - Why does noise sensitivity accompany concussion? Any evidence-based therapies to help?
0:09:45 - Light sensitivity is my only PCS symptoms to stick around and worsen - why? Recommended solutions?
0:11:03 - How long does photophobia typically last?
0:11:58 - What do you think are the optimal treatments for PCS visual sensitivity to screens and driving?
0:13:13 - Is an MRI an effective test to diagnose a concussion?
0:14:40 - Any tips for how to go about getting diagnostic images for a concussion?
0:15:50 - Where do the stretching of axons occur with concussion?
0:17:30 - What advice or suggestions do you have for pregnant women with PCS?
0:19:13 - How do you repair the metabolic damage that comes from concussion?
0:21:15 - Can PCS affect personality years later?
0:23:20 - What’s the best method to stop spontaneous anger that can be triggered easily?
0:24:34 - Can a TBI affect the pituitary gland and central brain?
0:27:58 - Is fasting or intermittent fasting good or bad for someone with PCS?
0:29:27 - What about taking HGH and Testosterone?
0:31:04 - Could low doses of ketamine or propofol help treat PCS? Or a high-strain of harlequin CBD?
0:34:33 - Should you do electromagnetic pulse therapy at PT at the same time?
0:36:00 - What medications or therapies are available to normalize metabolic imbalances in the brain? Are there any diagnostic tests to determine specific metabolic imbalances?
0:36:39 - Have you come across ocular-micro tremor and its utility to diagnose concussion?
0:37:50 - Three months out from concussion and still suffering from short term memory loss - aside from cognitive therapy - what else could he try?
0:38:45 - Chronic dizziness after multiple concussions, trouble finding words, any treatment options? Will it get worse in time?
0:40:00 - How can patients advocate for care when medical professionals don’t provide support?
0:42:04 - What do you think about the future of high school football? Will the sport go away?
0:46:36 - What’s the best way to educate coaches and ATs who are unaware of PCS?
0:48:33 - What is one thing you wish every concussion patient knew?
0:49:54 - Advice for exercise with PCS? Best form of aerobic exercise ramping up?
0:52:34 - Son has had 5 concussions, just turned 16. Last concussion caused cognitive issues with school. He says he’s fine now and wants to continue with competitive sports. How do you know if it’s safe?
0:56:20 - As we find out COVID affects multiple organ systems including the brain. Would having a history or brain injury or PCS put an individual at a high-risk category for COVID or do we not know yet?
0:57:58 - Why does stress bring on PCS? What are strategies you suggest to help?

[@raychinga]

Concussion management and research has come a long way as a direct result of Dr. Cantu's dedication and long hours of sacrifice. THANK YOU Dr. Cantu!!!!!

[@unsilentabe1955]

I have never been seen for CTE. I'm pretty sure I have this or MS. My life, 2 strokes, and have had over 50 concussions. 10 years of very aggressive football, wrestling and being an Army Ranger. I am almost 49 years. I use cannabis and CBD. I can control my symptoms. I want to be in a study group or any experiments. Thank you. I am in Nor Cal. Over 10 years of football 12-22 years. Over 500 wrestling matches. Firing weapons and explosives for 4 years. I am a disabled Veteran and the VA gave me the cold shoulder. I am diagnosed with a mood disorder.

[@ConcussionLegacyFoundation]

Hi @UnsilentABE. If you are looking to get involved with research or a health professional that specializes in suspected CTE, please fill out a CLF HelpLine request and one of our staff members will be in touch. You can find the HelpLine here: concussionfoundation.org/helpline

[@marilouremo1738]

I'm a 72 yr.old lady with aneurysm and macular edema. I have been treated by a retina doctor for a year. But I suffered from a concussion after I hit my head at my bedroom closet and was an outpatient at the emergency room of North Jackson hospital in North Miami, Florida. I can't see well on both sides of my eyes and I am likely to lose my consciousness after I wake up from sleep. I also hurt on my neck and the right sides of my head. I only take Tylenol pm as the ent doctor didn't prescribe any medicine.

[@ConcussionLegacyFoundation]

Hi Marilou - we would highly recommend reaching out to our CLF HelpLine at concussionfoundation.org/HelpLine for assistance finding treatment in your area.

[@marilouremo1738]

The date today is February 12, 2022 I am in Miami, Florida.I have neurologists and I appreciate the help from them.I need a follow up after my head is still quite soft and hurts even if I lightly put my hand on it. I only take Tylenol pm and I used to be treated with Bupropion and Depakote, Wellbutrin. Do I need them yet from prescriptions from my doctor???? In Flori5the weather is not too cold and summer is near.

[@259ald]

Dr. Cantu says that, even if someone who is recovering from a concussion experiences the slightest of bumps to the head, this minor bump could be considered another concussion. Is this correct? If someone has already recovered from a concussion, but experiences a slight bump to the head and then has a “flare up,” this, too, should be considered a concussion?

[@lisachristinaconfirmed5067]

I’d like to know this too. Especially because on the first one, it was never treated and there was prolong effects . Was it even really healed ? Things never went back to normal from the first concussion, which seemed never healed the first round. What to do about the bumps that otherwise wouldn’t matter but now do ?