Concussions and Mental Health in Teens: What Most Providers Are Missing

18/07/2025 35 min Temporada 1 Episodio 22
Concussions and Mental Health in Teens: What Most Providers Are Missing

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Episode Synopsis

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Zimmerman uncovers the deep—and often ignored—connection between concussions and mental health struggles. Drawing from research, clinical insights, and real-world cases, he exposes why so many patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and ADHD may actually be battling the silent aftermath of an undiagnosed or improperly treated concussion.💡 Key Takeaways:Concussions Aren’t Just a Sports Injury: While sports get the spotlight, concussions from car accidents, slips, and falls are even more common—and frequently overlooked, especially in non-athletes.Mental Health Diagnoses Often Miss the Mark: Research shows concussions drastically increase the risk of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and even suicide—yet many patients are misdiagnosed and mistreated because providers aren’t screening for brain injury.Outdated Beliefs Are Failing Patients: Coaches, parents, and even medical providers often rely on childhood-era concussion myths—leading to dangerous underdiagnosis and poor care.Proper Evaluation Requires More Than a Cognitive Test: A thorough concussion evaluation must include balance testing, oculomotor testing (like eye tracking), and metabolic lab work—not just symptom checklists or paper-based cognitive exams.There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Treatment: The best outcomes come from stacked, personalized treatment plans that combine neurological rehab, metabolic support, and advanced testing—not relying on a single therapy like neurofeedback or hyperbaric oxygen.

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