Dr. Jay Gattis

11/20/2025

Pocket Size Concussion First Aid reference cards. Prints to Index card size. Link in the Comments which will print nicely to front and back of a single page if you have a printer that prints both sides.

11/20/2025

Consider supporting this bill by advocating with your congressperson.
https://biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/news/2025-traumatic-brain-injury-reauthorization-act-update #

Last year, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) made the passage of the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 (TBI Act) our highest legislative priority. We are […]

11/13/2025

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/11/10/blood-test-concussions-severity-study/6211762802917/

A text analyzing brain-related biomarkers in the blood shows promise for measuring the severity of concussions in teenagers, researchers said.

11/05/2025

# # 🚨 **Concussion First Aid: Don’t Forget CREATINE!** 🚨

🧠 *Protect your brain’s energy supply after a head injury.*

When the brain takes a hit, it’s not just bruised — it’s **starved for energy.**
After impact, the **neurometabolic cascade** creates what researchers call an **energy crisis**, where neurons can’t make enough ATP to recover or repair themselves.

That’s where **Creatine** comes in. It’s one of the brain’s *emergency energy buffers* — helping to restore cellular power and keep neurons alive during the critical early window after trauma.

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# # # ⚡ Why Creatine Belongs in Every “Travel Kit”

Creatine helps **bypass the concussion energy deficit**, working alongside other energy-support nutrients like **BCAAs** and **Ketones**.
Together, they fuel the brain through the first vulnerable phase — when timing matters most.

**Recommended Immediate Dose:**
🕐 *As soon as possible after suspected head injury (ideally within 1–3 hours):*
➡️ **2 scoops (≈10 g) of Creatine powder**

**Follow-Up Recovery:**
🏠 *Continue for 7 days post-injury:*
➡️ **5 g twice daily**

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# # # 🧬 **Key Research Supporting Creatine in TBI Recovery**

1️⃣ **Clinical Study in Children and Adolescents**
Creatine supplementation (0.4 g/kg/day for 6 months) in young TBI patients significantly **reduced post-traumatic amnesia, improved cognition, communication, and self-care** compared with controls.
📖 *Sakellaris G, et al.* (2006). *Prevention of complications related to traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents with creatine administration.* *J Trauma*, 61(2), 322–329.
👉 (https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ta.0000230269.46108.d5)

2️⃣ **Experimental Animal Study — Mitochondrial Protection**
Pre-injury and early post-injury creatine loading **reduced cortical damage by up to 50 %** and preserved mitochondrial function following TBI.
📖 *Sullivan PG et al.* (2000). *Dietary supplement creatine protects against traumatic brain injury.* *Annals of Neurology*, 48(5), 723–729.
👉 [PubMed ID: 11079535](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11079535/)

3️⃣ **Mechanistic Review on mTBI and Brain Energy**
Creatine’s cellular role directly overlaps the **bioenergetic failure observed in mild TBI**; authors highlight its promise as a safe, accessible neuroprotective agent.
📖 *Dean PJ et al.* (2017). *Potential for use of creatine supplementation following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).* *Concussion*, 2(2).
👉 [PMC 6094347](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6094347/)

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# # # ⚠️ Professional Guidance

Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Early intervention, guided by expert advice, gives the brain its best chance at recovery.

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💡 *Energy is the currency of healing.*
Don’t let your brain run out of fuel after impact.

11/02/2025

# # 🧠 **Concussion First Aid: Why You Need Vitamin C NOW!** 🍊

If you suspect a **concussion** or mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), **immediate action is critical.**
Within minutes, the brain enters a *neurometabolic cascade*—a storm of ionic imbalance, oxidative stress, mitochondrial energy failure, and inflammation.

**Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)** belongs in every **Concussion First Aid Kit** because it directly targets several of these damaging cascades to preserve brain cells and speed recovery.

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# # # ⚡ **How Vitamin C Impacts the Neurometabolic Cascade**

1. **🧯 Quenches Free Radicals (Oxidative Stress Control)**
After injury, the brain “rusts from the inside.” Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) attack membranes and mitochondria.
Vitamin C rapidly **neutralizes these radicals**, regenerates **Vitamin E**, and helps stop the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation that drives secondary brain injury. 【Di Pietro et al., 2020】

2. **💧 Reduces Swelling & Protects the Blood–Brain Barrier**
Early studies show Vitamin C helps maintain **tight-junction proteins** (occludin, claudin-5) and **collagen IV**, reducing blood–brain barrier leakage and **cerebral edema**—one of the most dangerous post-impact complications. 【Lin et al., 2010】

3. **🔄 Synergistic Protection with Vitamin E**
Being **water-soluble**, Vitamin C works inside cells, while Vitamin E (fat-soluble) protects membranes. Together, they create a **comprehensive antioxidant network** that shields both lipid and aqueous compartments of brain tissue. 【Razmkon et al., 2011】

4. **⚙️ Supports Mitochondrial Energy Recovery**
During the acute energy crisis, neurons can’t use glucose efficiently. Vitamin C preserves **mitochondrial enzymes** and supports metabolic recovery—limiting the downstream cell death seen in the neurometabolic cascade. 【Giza & Hovda, 2014】

5. **📉 Prevents Vitamin C Depletion Seen After TBI**
Plasma Vitamin C levels drop dramatically within hours after brain injury, leaving the tissue defenseless. Early repletion helps restore antioxidant capacity when the brain needs it most. 【Polidori et al., 2001】

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# # # 🕒 **Timing & Dosage**

For adults: **2 capsules of 1,000 mg Vitamin C** taken *as soon as possible* after a suspected concussion—**ideally within the first 1–3 hours**—may help blunt oxidative stress while medical evaluation is obtained.
*(Adjunctive support only; not a substitute for emergency care.)*

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# # # 🧬 **Summary**

Vitamin C helps stabilize the chaos that follows a concussion by:

* Neutralizing oxidative stress 🔥
* Reducing brain swelling 💧
* Reinforcing the BBB 🧱
* Supporting cellular energy ⚡
* Teaming with Vitamin E for dual-phase protection 🧩

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From Concussion Rescue by Dr. Kabran Chapek
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# # # 📚 **Relevant Research**

Di Pietro, V., Yakoub, K. M., Caruso, G., et al. (2020). Antioxidant therapies in traumatic brain injury. *Antioxidants, 9*(3), 206. (https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030206)

Erdman, J. W., Oria, M., & Pillsbury, L. (Eds.). (2011). *Nutrition and traumatic brain injury* (Ch. 7: Antioxidants). National Academies Press.

Giza, C. C., & Hovda, D. A. (2014). The new neurometabolic cascade of concussion. *Neurosurgery, 75*(S4), S24–S33. (https://doi.org/10.1227/NEU.0000000000000505)

Lin, J.-L., Huang, Y.-J., & Wang, H.-S. (2010). Ascorbic acid prevents blood–brain barrier disruption and sensory deficits after experimental brain injury. *Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 30*(6), 1121–1136. (https://doi.org/10.1038/jcbfm.2009.281)

Polidori, M. C., Mecocci, P., & Frei, B. (2001). Plasma vitamin C levels are decreased and correlated with brain damage in patients with intracranial hemorrhage or head trauma. *Stroke, 32*(4), 898–902. (https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.32.4.898)

Razmkon, A., Sadidi, A., Sherafat-Kazemzadeh, E., Mehrafshan, A., Jamali, M., Malekpour, B., & Saghafinia, M. (2011). Administration of vitamin C and vitamin E in severe head injury: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. *Clinical Neurosurgery, 58*, 133–137.

⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This post is for *educational purposes only*.
It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional immediately after a head injury or before starting any new supplement regimen.

11/01/2025

Hopefully this will lead to clinical interventions to help with memory decline.

Virginia Tech scientists found that age-related memory loss stems from molecular changes in the brain. Memory decline might not be just a natural part of aging. Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered that it is connected to particular molecular changes in the brain, and that fine-tuning these

10/30/2025

I made a thing on Concussion First Aid. Let me know what you think.

Based on the necessity of early intervention. Following a TBI, the brain undergoes a rapid, detrimental neurometabolic cascade. This protocol uses multiple, non-toxic nutrients simultaneously to reduce inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and supply alternative energy sources to the injured...

10/28/2025

# # 💥 HEAD INJURY ALERT: IMMEDIATE CONCUSSION FIRST AID 🧠

If you or someone you love just took a **blow to the head**, don’t wait.
The first few hours after a concussion are *critical* for protecting the brain.

After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), your brain’s **energy system crashes** — it can’t properly use glucose (its main fuel).
The result? A “brain energy crisis” when your neurons need power the most.

That’s why **MCT oil powder** (a precursor to ketones) or **exogenous ketones** can make a big difference when used *immediately after injury* as part of a **Concussion First Aid Kit**.

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# # # ⚡ WHY FUEL WITH KETONES IMMEDIATELY?

Your brain is a hybrid engine — it can run on **glucose** or **ketones**.
But after a concussion, its ability to use glucose is impaired, and giving IV glucose can actually make things worse by blocking natural ketone production.

By giving **MCT oil powder (1 tablespoon)** or **exogenous ketones** within the first few hours (ideally within 1–3 hours, but no later than 24 hours), you may help to:

✅ **Bypass the Brain’s Energy Crisis**
Ketones provide an alternate, efficient fuel source when glucose pathways are disrupted.

🧠 **Protect Brain Cells**
Ketones have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation right after injury.

💓 **Improve Blood Flow**
Human studies show ketone infusions can *increase cerebral blood flow* — vital for brain recovery.

Mixing MCT oil powder or exogenous ketones into water (alongside nutrients like **NAC** and **Vitamin C**) can offer immediate neuroprotective support.

If your family participates in sports or activities with head injury risks, put together **Concussion First Aid Kit** ahead of time with the instructions in Concussion Rescue by Dr. Kabran Chapek or you can find the ingredients in my posts here.

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# # # 🔬 RESEARCH SUPPORTING KETONES & TBI RECOVERY

📚 **1. Therapeutic Potential of Ketones in TBI**
Prins, M. L., & Hovda, D. A. (2014). *J Lipid Res*, 55(12): 2450–2457.
👉 [https://doi.org/10.1194/jlr.R046706]

📚 **2. Ketogenic Formulations Improve Outcomes**
Thau-Zuchman, O., Svendsen, L., Dyall, S. C., et al. (2021). *Theranostics*, 11(1): 346–360.
👉 [https://www.thno.org/v11p0346.htm]

📚 **3. Ketone Infusion Increases Brain Blood Flow**
Svart, M., Gormsen, L. C., Hansen, J., et al. (2018). *PLoS One*, 13(2): e0190556.
👉 [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190556]

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⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This post is for *educational purposes only*.
It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional immediately after a head injury or before starting any new supplement regimen.

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From Concussion Rescue by Dr. Kabran Chapek

10/26/2025

☀️ VITAMIN D & BRAIN RECOVERY — WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This post is for *educational purposes only.* It’s based on nutritional support research and is **not medical advice**. Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.

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# # # 🌞 THE “SUNSHINE HORMONE” FOR CONCUSSION HEALING

Did you know **Vitamin D** acts like a neurohormone that helps your brain *heal and protect itself* after a concussion (TBI)?

When your brain’s been injured, Vitamin D plays several key roles in recovery:

🧠 **Neuroprotection & Calcium Balance**
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium — and that’s critical after a concussion. Too much calcium inside brain cells can trigger cell death, so Vitamin D helps keep things in balance and supports brain cell survival.

🔥 **Inflammation Control**
It helps calm the overactive immune and inflammatory responses that often drive lingering post-concussion symptoms.

💤 **Mood & Cognitive Function**
Up to **46%** of adults with TBI are *deficient* in Vitamin D. Low levels have been linked to worse mood, slower thinking, and poorer recovery.

🤝 **Works Better Together**
In studies, combining Vitamin D with other agents (like progesterone) led to better outcomes and lower mortality in severe TBI cases. Recovery works best when multiple healing systems are supported.

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# # # 💊 RECOMMENDED DOSING (WITH PHYSICIAN GUIDANCE)

Vitamin D is part of what many experts call the “**TBI First Aid Kit**.”

* **Right after injury:** 10,000 IU (two 5,000 IU capsules) as soon as possible
* **Ongoing for 1–7 days:** 5,000–10,000 IU daily
Goal: maintain blood levels between **60–80 ng/mL**

10/25/2025

Good reframe.

10/25/2025

**Hit Your Head? Why Curcumin Should Be in Your Concussion First Aid Kit!**

⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only and is based on a nutritional support protocol (specifically, the protocol outlined in Dr. Kabran Chapek's book, *Concussion Rescue*). It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Following a concussion or mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), the brain immediately experiences a cascade of inflammatory changes. **Curcumin**, which is an extract derived from the Indian spice turmeric, is a powerful and targeted nutrient included in post-head trauma recovery protocols specifically for its **anti-inflammatory** properties.

Curcumin helps quench inflammation and reduce swelling, mitigating some of the damage caused by the injury.

**Key Benefits Supported by Research:**

* Curcumin may help reduce swelling in the brain (attenuate cerebral edema).
* It functions as an anti-inflammatory agent by decreasing the inflammatory chemical Interleukin-1 (IL-1).
* It also adjusts Aquaporin 4, a water channel, which contributes to the reduction of brain swelling.

**Dosing Recommendations for Acute Injury (Consult a Physician):**

Curcumin is an essential component of the immediate "TBI First Aid Kit." The recommended dose for acute injury is **1000 mg** (two 500mg capsules). This dose should be administered as soon as possible after a suspected head injury, ideally within the first 1–3 hours, and no later than 24 hours post-injury.

For the first week of recovery at home, Curcumin supplementation continues:
* **Days 1–4:** Take 2 capsules (500mg each) twice a day.
* **Days 5–7:** Take 1 capsule (500mg each) twice a day.
* The general ongoing acute phase dose is 500–1000 mg taken twice daily.

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**🔬 Cited Study & Link (Preclinical Research):**

The mechanism by which Curcumin helps reduce brain swelling and inflammation post-TBI is detailed in the following research:

* **Study:** Laird, M. D., Sukumari-Ramesh, S., Swift, A. E., Meiler, S. E., Vender, J. R., & Dhandapani, K. M. (2010). Curcumin attenuates cerebral edema following traumatic brain injury in mice: a possible role for aquaporin-4. *Journal of Neurochemistry*, 113(3), 637–648.



Fig. 1. Effect of curcumin on signaling pathways of neurons in TBI. Abbreviations: Toll-like receptor 4: TLR4; Nuclear factor-kappa B: NF-κB; Myeloid differentiation primary response 88: MyD88; Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B: PI3K/AKT; Heme oxygenase-1: HO-1; Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2: Nrf2; NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1: NQO1; IkappaB kinase β: IKKβ; Phosphorylation-IkappaB: P-IκB; NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3: NLRP3; Interleukin 1 beta: IL-1β; Interleukin 18: IL-18; (Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor/Tropomyosin receptor kinase B: BDNF/TrkB; Increase/upregulate: ↑; Decrease/downregulate: ↓; Leads to: →.