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The latest research into treatment of concussion and mTBI suggests that cooling the brain and lowering core body temperature can prevent secondary injury caused by intracranial swelling.
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The latest research into treatment of concussion and mTBI suggests that cooling the brain and lowering core body temperature can prevent secondary injury caused by intracranial swelling.
Concussion and mTBI are caused by rotational acceleration of the brain within the skull
But this is only part of the picture. After impact, the brain swells inside the cranium causing additional and potentially fatal damage. This damage occurs with or without a concussion diagnosis.
48 hours is the average time before a concussion is diagnosed*. If the patient is not treated during this window, the brain will suffer significant (and preventable) secondary injury. After 72 hours, the treatment options shift from prevention to recovery.
To prevent swelling, hypothermic treatment should be applied immediately after a brain injury
When an athlete sustains a concussion, they will almost always have an elevated body temperature. Cooling the brain & body may prevent secondary injury, improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery time.
Studies show that the 72 hours after concussion or mTBI are the most critical. During this time, consistent application of direct brain cooling may prevent brain damage while a medical diagnosis is sought.
