One of the most complex and delicate organs in the body is the brain. That's why any head trauma - even if it's mild - should be treated by a physician.

"A traumatic brain injury (TBI) doesn't require significant head trauma to be harmful," said David Overton, a physician assistant (PA) and owner of Natural Medicines in Lacey. "A relatively minor injury can cause major problems." 

TBI can be caused by a blast from an explosive device or an automobile collision. Minor falls, domestic violence, and sports injuries can also cause TBI. Even swallowing harmful chemicals, hypoxia (loss of oxygen), infections, tumors, and strokes can cause brain damage.  

"Symptoms range from headaches to attention deficit disorders," said Overton. "Because of the broad spectrum of symptoms, milder cases are often harder to discern and may go untreated."

Other symptoms include confusion, disorientation, mood swings, cognitive problems, sleep disturbances, seizures, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, ringing in the ears, and even loss of taste. A Servicemember may look and move around normally, but may still suffer from post-concussion syndrome (or subtle brain injury).

"Symptoms can last for more than a year and conventional diagnosis may or may not catch it," he said. "This sequence of common problems is connected, and the underlying problem needs to be addressed."

Overton specializes in natural approaches to medicine and integrates conventional and alternative medical care (such as herbal medicine). He believes TBI and most other diseases can be treated with the correct dosage and combinations of high quality, balanced formulas and supplements. Along with corrective diet, exercise, education, and lifestyle changes, Overton also develops specialized programs that address weight issues, circulation problems, infection, immune problems and genetics. Collectively, the care addresses the human body and not just the sequence of problems.

"Even more significant cases of TBI can be treated," said Overton. "It's a matter of the right test, diagnostic, and if its small vessel or large vessel disease - this affects one's neurochemistry and white-matter changes in the brain."

For example, the force of a nearby explosion (pressure waves passing through the brain), can cause damage to small vessels and affect brain chemistry. An MRI or CT scan may not show significant white-matter changes, and if left untreated, can lead to large vessel damage; specific supplement combinations can correct these symptoms and improve overall health.

 [Natural Medicines & Family Practice: 1315 Ruddell Road S.E., Lacey, (360) 357-8054, www.natmeds.net ].