Over the years, Dr. Caroline has cared for youth athletes who have suffered from the effects of concussions. While the medical system and privileged athletic departments offer state-of-the-art systems to assess cognitive performance, what parents often do not know is that concussions cannot be detected on an MRI or CT scan.

At Balance Atlanta, rarely is there a condition that Dr. Caroline will not handle with holistic care that honors the healing of both mind and body.

Concussions and other forms of damage to the brain tissue – strokes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, for instance – should not be addressed as merely a perilous condition without much hope for improvement. Instead, what if the focus is placed on enhancing potential by restoring optimal cellular function from the inside out?

In 1999, Dr. Caroline became one of two chiropractors providing chiropractic care for our city’s newly minted NHL team, the Atlanta Thrashers, as well as for the pros of visiting NHL leagues. To no surprise, by the time hockey players reach this elite level, they have most likely sustained multiple blows to the head since childhood. It was necessary to sharpen her skills to address the neurological stress to the brain associated with concussions.

Added to the toolbox were specific chiropractic techniques such as cranial adjusting ideal for the symptoms associated with head trauma; BrainCore Therapy geared to promote peak performance by enhancing neuroplasticity; and functional medicine targeted to reduce brain and systemic inflammation.

Over the years, Dr. Caroline has cared for youth athletes who have suffered from the effects of concussions. While the medical system and privileged athletic departments offer state-of-the-art systems to assess cognitive performance, what parents often do not know is that concussions cannot be detected on an MRI or CT scan. A pen and paper subjective health questionnaire may shed light on symptoms. Hi-tech helmets, despite bold claims, may minimize the risk of lacerations and bruising. Yet, they do not prevent the brain from hitting the interior walls of the skull with concussive force. Despite advancements in the study of concussions, our system falls short of treating the symptoms associated with brain trauma – whether from sports, auto accidents, or other injuries affecting the skull and brain.

Imagine what it feels like for a high school athlete, as an example, to be sidelined due to concussion:

Being in chronic pain; light sensitivity; visual disturbances; nausea; anxiety and depression; getting behind in school; memory loss; brain fog; having to quit the team; losing connection with peers; loss of social status; countless visits to neurologists; being on an emotional roller coaster; losing hope and wanting to give up. For parents whose kids have been in this situation – the medical bills, frustration, and search for answers are no joke. Or, as one 9th grader asked Dr. Caroline with pleading eyes, “Will I ever be normal again?”

At Balance Atlanta, functional neurology specific to traumatic head injury is a niche specialty.

The modalities of chiropractic, functional medicine, and neurofeedback are combined with stress management training, peak performance brain development, and, most importantly, a connection with the type of doctor who believes the foundation for healing starts with a trusting relationship, compassion, and optimism.

Diagnosing a head trauma is one thing. Promoting neurological healing with specific results long after the initial injury is another. Dr. Caroline is the person to see when you’ve run out of options, but you still have hope.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological process that affects the brain, typically induced by trauma to the brain. It can be caused either by a direct blow to the head or an indirect blow to the body, causing neurological impairments that may resolve spontaneously. Symptoms usually reflect a functional disturbance to the brain, and may include physical (headaches, nausea); cognitive (difficulty with concentration or memory); emotional (irritability, sadness); and ‘maintenance’ (sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or energy levels) symptoms. A concussion is considered a brain injury.

Sports Concussion Statistics
  • CDC estimates reveal that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year
  • 5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sport season
  • Fewer than 10% of sport related concussions involve a loss of consciousness (blacking out, seeing stars, etc.)
  • Football is the most common sport with concussion risk for males (75% chance for concussion)
  • Soccer is the most common sport with concussion risk for females (50% chance for concussion)
  • 78% of concussions occur during games (as opposed to practices)
  • Some studies suggest that females are twice as likely to sustain a concussion as males
  • Headache (85%) and Dizziness (70-80%) are most commonly reported symptoms immediately following concussions for injured athletes
  • Estimated 47% of athletes do not report feeling any symptoms after a concussive blow
  • A professional football player will receive an estimated 900 to 1500 blows to the head during a season
  • Impact speed of a professional boxers punch: 20mph
  • Impact speed of a football player tackling a stationary player: 25mph
  • Impact speed of a soccer ball being headed by a player: 70mph