Head injuries can be very serious, even life threatening. It is wise to have head injuries checked by a health care provider who will most likely do neurological and cognitive testing. Imaging tests can be run if the patient has severe headaches, seizures, vomiting or symptoms that are becoming worse. Brain imaging may help determine if there is bleeding or swelling in the skull. If the patient stays at home, someone should be stay with the patient to check on them for at least 24 hours to watch for worsening symptoms. It is sometimes recommended to awaken the patient regularly to be sure they awaken normally.

 

Some symptoms may appear immediately, while other symptoms may not appear for hours or even days after the injury. Symptoms should improve over time and most are resolved with in a few weeks. Symptoms may also change, such as initially having headaches and nausea, then a week later experiencing unusual emotional upsets.

 

 

Physical Signs

 

Neurological Exam includes:

 

Cognitive Testing includes:

 

Research

Essential oil aromas have been shown to stimulate the limbic system of the brain, especially since the sense of smell is tied directly to the mind's emotional and hormonal centers. In a two-year case study (1999-2001), Dr. Friedmann M.D. found significant results when children that had previously been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD were administered therapeutic essential oils by inhalation. He used: Vetiver, Cedarwood and Lavender individually as single oils and also a blend we call Potential.

 

He administered one oil by inhalation 3 times per day for 30 days. The oil was diffused at night also. The inhalation proved to settle the children's brain waves back into normal patterns and improved their scholastic performance and behavioral patterns. Here are the final results:

Vetiver increased performance by 100%

Cedarwood increased performance by 83%

Lavender increased performance by 53%

 

Beyond Concussion Care with Essential Oils by Danielle Daniel, LCSW, Doctor of Clinical Phychology Student

 

Essential Oils that May Help with Brain Function

BERGAMOT - hypothalamus

BLACK PEPPER - amygdale/hippocampus

CLARY SAGE - pituitary gland, thalamus

CEDARWOOD is calming and purifying

FRANKINCENSE stimulates the limbic system of the brain, hypothalamus

GERANIUM - hypothalamus

GRAPEFRUIT - thalamus

JASMINE ABSOLUTE - pituitary gland, thalamus

LAVENDER is calming and relaxing to the nervous system

LEMON -  amygdale/hippocampus

PATCHOULI - pituitary gland

PEPPERMINT -  amygdale/hippocampus

ROSE -  thalamus

ROSEMARY -  amygdale/hippocampus

ROSEWOOD - hypothalamus

VETIVER is calming and relaxing

YLANG YLANG - pituitary gland

 

Hopewell Essential Oil Blends that May Help

HEADACHE RELIEF - headaches, migraines

MIGRAINE RELIEF - headaches, migraines

NEURO-FUNCTION - for neurological issues

PEACEFUL - calming and relaxing

POTENTIAL - supports concentration and mental clarity

PURPOSE - supports concentration and mental clarity - this one is one of our daughter’s favorites to inhale (mine too)

REGENERATION - for injury to neck, spine, back

STRENGTH - calming

SUNSHINE - calming and uplifting

 

Essential Oils Which Potentially Influence the Limbic System (Brain)

Pituitary gland: Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang

Hypothalamus: Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Rosewood

Thalamus: Clary Sage, Jasmine, Grapefruit, Rose

Amygdale/Hippocampus: Black Pepper, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon

(Donaldson 2004; Sorensen 2001; Tisserand 2001; Damian & Damian 1995)

The above information was found online years ago, and the direct link I saved no longer works, but I’ve copied it here if you feel to investigate it further:  Brain Balance Centers - Sensory/Motor Aromatherapy

 

Testimonies

1. I diffuse a combination of Bergamot, Frankincense, Lemon and Peppermint for brain injuries. I also make a personal inhaler for my client of this blend. Diluted appropriately, I have them apply to the back of the neck and temples. Five-twenty drops of this blend can also be added to 1 TB carrier oil + 2 cups epsom salts and then to a warm bath. - LMT

 

2. I passed out, hit my head on the tile floor and had a concussion from it. I am so amazed how well I’m doing. I used Balance, Rosemary ct cineole and Cypress to relieve head and neck pain. I apply to my neck 2 x daily and Rosemary to temples upon awaking. It’s been 2 weeks, and I’m doing very well. - Heather

 

3. Frankincense really helped my son when he had a concussion. - Diane

 

4. I read where a woman had a concussion with headaches and hallucinations. By applying Cypress over her brain stem, her headaches left for good.