Concussion Supplement The Pathophysiology of Concussion

s, University ontpellier 1, respondence Abstract: Concussion is defined as a biomechanically induced brain injury char by the absence of gross anatomic lesions. Early and late clinical symptoms, i impairments of memory and attention, headache, and alteration of mental status result of neuronal dysfunction mostly caused by functional rather than structur malities. The mechanical insult initiates a complex cascade of metabolic events le perturbation of delicate neuronal homeostatic balances. Starting from neurotoxic getic metabolism disturbance caused by the initial mitochondrial dysfunction see the main biochemical explanation for most postconcussive signs and symptoms. more, concussed cells enter a peculiar state of vulnerability, and if a second conc sustained while they are in this state, they may be irreversibly damaged by the occu swelling. This condition of concussion-induced brain vulnerability is the basic pa iology of the second impact syndrome. N-acetylaspartate, a brain-specific co representative of neuronal metabolic wellness, is proving a valid surrogate mark post-traumatic biochemical damage, and its utility in monitoring the recover aforementioned “functional” disturbance as a concussion marker is emerging, bec easily detectable through proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. PM R 2011;3:S