Spotlight on Concussions: A Hidden Epidemic

Concussions are a prevalent yet often underreported condition, affecting individuals across all walks of life. A 2021 study examining self-reported lifetime concussion among adults found that 28.9% of respondents reported experiencing at least one concussion in their lifetime. Many concussions can be attributed to sports injuries but Motor Vehicle Accidents are often associated with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and are the cause of 25% of TBI-related hospitalizations. Unfortunately, many cases continue to go undiagnosed due to insufficient testing, lack of awareness about symptoms, or deliberate concealment—particularly with athletes who are scared about losing game time. The implications of untreated concussions can be severe, potentially leading to chronic symptoms and life-altering complications.

It's particularly frustrating when I see people come into the clinic who are suffering from concussions—sometimes without them even fully realizing it or carrying the diagnosis. Symptoms can include persistent headaches, light sensitivity, emotional instability, difficulty finding words, and trouble sleeping. Often, these symptoms are dismissed or misattributed, leaving many to suffer in silence.

It’s very important to be aware that Athletes and those around them may avoid reporting concussions to prevent disruptions to their playtime. This culture, combined with the underestimation of risks such as second-impact syndrome, underscores the need for proactive and comprehensive concussion care.

An Advanced Approach to Concussion Management

Thankfully, with a more active approach, there are a few different types of treatments that may be incredibly effective for concussions. For starters, there is light therapy. While currently FDA-approved for musculoskeletal injuries and pain relief, it can also be utilized to treat concussion symptoms. I’ve discussed utilizing light therapy for brain injury both with Dr Paulo Cassano of Harvard and with Dr Michael Hamblin the most well known researcher in treating the brain with light therapy on previous podcasts. It’s an incredibly safe and effective way to help the brain recover from recovery. The penetration of light to the outer cortex of the brain can increase blood flow, lymphatic flow, improve mitochondrial function, and over time result in synaptogenesis (the process of forming new connections between brain cells) We couple this with Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), which hyperoxygenates cells, promoting cellular healing and improving brain function. Because oxygen is efficiently transported to the tissues, it helps reduce lactic acid buildup and improves overall health and performance. Combining these therapies with other effective treatments such as biofeedback, vestibular retraining and ocular retraining can be a powerful combination in many patients.  

Real-Life Impact of Concussion Treatment 

One of the most inspiring cases I have seen in recent memory involved a 60-year-old patient who endured nine months of debilitating concussion symptoms, including brain fog, persistent headaches, and emotional instability. He was told that there was nothing to be done to reduce his symptoms. His concussion had affected every part of his life—from his personal relationships to his work. He was unable to enjoy the regular activities he loved.

We started him on our concussion protocol—integrating transcranial light therapy, oxygen therapy, and whole-body photobiomodulation. He experienced almost immediate, fairly drastic improvements in his cognitive functioning. He was able to regain the ability to find and articulate words confidently, had a significant reduction in headaches and brain fog, and, perhaps, most importantly, was able to regulate his emotions, which transformed his outlook and quality of life.

I feel it’s particularly tragic that this patient had learned to live with his concussion symptoms for so long, thinking that it was just going to be normal going forward, and so when he was shown that he could live a fuller, more enriched life, he broke down and started crying right in the middle of the clinic, which, in turn, brought tears of joy to the staff. It was incredibly moving to witness. I felt privileged that our staff were part of his journey and were able to help with his transformation.

Why Active Health Management Matters

Concussions are not injuries to leave untreated or dismissed with a passive "wait-and-see" approach. I cannot stress the importance of treating concussions proactively. Acute symptoms can evolve into chronic conditions, complicating recovery and deeply affecting lives, but there is significant potential to actively treat symptoms and the root cause. As Dr Hamblin told me on my podcast “Get the light on their heads as soon as possible!” If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to take the first step toward recovery, and seek providers who can offer active management.  

Support of the American Cancer Society

We are honored to have supported the Minnesota chapter of the American Cancer Society, where we raised money to support cancer patients and advance research initiatives. It was an incredible event in Minneapolis with many advocates, experienced doctors, and health professionals who all came together for a common cause, united in their dedication to fight cancer. The work that they do year in and year out is truly remarkable. 

Helping to treat and, hopefully, eventually curing cancer is something that I’m incredibly passionate about. In the United States, someone is diagnosed with cancer every 15.8 seconds. It is a disease that effects everyone, in some form or another—whether it’s being diagnosed with it personally, or finding out that a loved one has it, we must all come together in order to fight it.  We look forward to ongoing support of organizations like the American Cancer Society to ensure these life-enhancing options are more widely available to those who need them most.

Exploring New Frontiers in Symptom Management

I am deeply invested in leveraging innovative technologies to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, particularly those undergoing challenging treatments like chemotherapy. While these technologies are not designed to cure cancer, their ability to mitigate treatment-related symptoms. Side effects that have been shown to be reduced by light-based therapy, include fatigue, pain, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and oral mucositis.  Despite its low cost and potential for significant improvement in patient comfort, it remains underutilized in traditional cancer care settings. Similarly utilizing Oxygen Therapy which Hyperoxygenates tissues can improve fatigue, anemia, cognitive issues as well as radiation-induced tissue damage.  Additionally, Oxygen therapy in some studies can improve the effects of radiation treatment of tumors. 

We are advocating for broader adoption of these technologies within the cancer care community. It’s perplexing that such accessible and cost-effective solutions are not yet standard practice in mitigating chemotherapy side effects. By integrating therapies into conventional cancer care, patients could experience improved well-being and reduced treatment burdens, enabling them to better navigate their recovery journeys.

Men’s Health Event Recap

At Hypercharge Health, we are addressing the unique challenges men face. Our recent Men’s Health event brought together participants for an engaging and empowering discussion on proactive strategies for men’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The event covered a range of critical topics, including the impact of hormonal changes on energy, mood, and overall health as men age. It also explored the importance of maintaining muscle mass and mobility through tailored fitness regimens and nutrition, as well as addressing the growing epidemic of burnout in men, caused by prolonged exposure to stress and high cortisol levels. Attendees gained valuable insights into managing stress and achieving a better balance in their lives.

Another key focus was the importance of regular health screenings, with an emphasis on prostate and colon cancer screenings to enable early detection and timely treatment—something men, in particular, are bad at doing. The event highlighted the vital role of these preventative measures in improving long-term health outcomes for men of all ages, but especially older men.

A highlight of the event was the preview of Hypercharge 50, a revolutionary program set to launch in January. Tailored for men over 50, this program is designed to promote longevity and health span by focusing on mobility preservation, hormonal balance, mental health, energy levels, and sexual health. 

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce an upcoming Women’s Health event that will build on the success of this initiative by addressing the unique health challenges women face. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this incredible event. Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward healthier, more vibrant lives for men of all ages. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments!

Last Thoughts

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and hit the bell to be notified of upcoming newsletters as we continue to bring you inspiring stories, innovative treatments, and health updates that matter to you. It’s all a part of becoming the CEO of your own health and empowering you to make the right decisions for you and your body.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr Sinicropi