Mindfulness Offers Hope for Treating Chronic Concussion

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Symptoms of Chronic Concussion Can Likely Benefit from Mindfulness
Source: Garrett Spahn/UConn Photo
  • Chronic concussion often presents with a variety of symptoms and is therefore difficult to treat
  • Researchers at the University of Connecticut conducted a meta-analysis of mindfulness-based interventions for treating chronic concussion
  • Results showed a significant improvement in chronic symptoms, particularly fatigue and depression. 

Concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), occurs as a result of an injury to the head. Symptoms usually involve an altered mental state, headache, fatigue, or dizziness. Although most people recover spontaneously, for about 5 to 43% the symptoms become chronic. Furthermore, symptoms of chronic concussion often mimic those of post-traumatic stress and are therefore difficult to treat. 

People think you should be better, the injury happened so long ago. Why aren’t you better? And then more frustration comes in when your doctor says just to rest, there’s nothing else that can be done, but you’re still getting headaches or feeling fatigued or depressed.

Rebecca Acabchuk, study author

Chronic Concussion Symptoms Worsened by Stress

Symptoms of chronic concussion generally have an effect on an individual’s physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Moreover, stress and mood disorders can further worsen the condition. The current treatment strategies fail to target the psychological and emotional symptoms. Therefore, highlighting the need for more effective strategies.

We know from other studies that yoga and meditation may be helpful for reducing systemic inflammation, and we know that they are helpful for increasing self-compassion and reducing rumination if people are dealing with symptoms of depression.

Rebecca Acabchuk, study author

Previous research has shown that the brain regions affected in concussions overlap with those boosted with mindfulness-based therapy. Thus, researchers at the University of Connecticut conducted the first-ever meta-analysis of the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on chronic concussion symptoms.

Results Show Significant Improvement

For their meta-analysis, the researchers looked at 22 studies which included a total of 539 participants altogether. Only studies that looked at the outcomes of yoga, meditation, or mindfulness-based therapy on people suffering from brain injuries were chosen for the meta-analysis. Outcomes investigated included mental and physical health, quality of life, cognitive performance, and social performance. 

The results of the analysis revealed significant improvement across all outcomes measured. Moreover, the greatest improvement was observed in depression and fatigue.

The main results that we saw were significant reductions in depression and fatigue. Especially with fatigue, it was a large effect size, which is impressive in the sense that fatigue is a difficult symptom for patients to deal with.

Rebecca Acabchuk, study author

The results highlight the importance of including yoga, meditation, or mindfulness-based interventions in treatment plans of those suffering from chronic concussion. Additionally, since there are no adverse effects associated with such treatment measures researchers believe its implication will do more good than harm.

Although this is not a miracle cure, Acabchuk believes that mindfulness-based interventions will likely help empower those struggling. Further research is required to investigate the mechanism by which these interventions benefit patients.

Reference:

Acabchuk, R. L., Brisson, J. M., Park, C. L., Babbott-Bryan, N., Parmelee, O. A., & Johnson, B. T. (2020). Therapeutic Effects of Meditation, Yoga, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Applied psychology. Health and well-being, 10.1111/aphw.12244. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12244

Link, J. S., Barker, T., Serpa, S., Pinjala, M., Oswald, T. M., & Lashley, L. K. (2016). Mild traumatic brain injury and mindfulness-based stress reduction: A review. Archives of Assessment Psychology, 6(1), 7–32. 

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