ModerateGBS: 79 (Moderate-High Risk)nutrition

Concussion/TBI Recovery Protocol

Developer: Mark Gordon, Andrew Marr, functional medicine

Acute 3 months, post-concussion syndrome 6-12 months, some need longer

Protocol Overview

Comprehensive protocol for TBI recovery addressing neuroinflammation, hormone dysfunction (HPA/HPG axis), and mitochondrial support. Goes beyond "rest and wait."

Conditions Treated

Concussion

traumatic brain injury

post-concussion syndrome

Protocol Steps

Acute phase (first 72 hours): Complete cognitive and physical rest, dark room, no screens, high-dose omega-3 (loading: 3-6g EPA/DHA), consider hyperbaric oxygen (1.3-1.5 ATA within 24-48 hours if available)

Testing (after acute): Hormone panel (TBI often damages pituitary - test AM cortisol, ACTH, testosterone, LH/FSH, growth hormone, thyroid), inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6), nutrient deficiencies

Omega-3: 3-6g EPA/DHA daily (anti-inflammatory, membrane repair, DHA is 40% of brain) - most important supplement

Creatine: 5-20g daily (brain energy, neuroprotection, reduces post-concussion symptoms in studies)

Vitamin D: Optimize 50-80 ng/ml (neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory)

Magnesium: 400-800mg (magnesium threonate crosses BBB best) - neuroprotective, often depleted after TBI

Curcumin: 1-2g daily (anti-neuroinflammatory, crosses BBB)

NAC: 600-1200mg 2x/day (antioxidant, increases glutathione, neuroprotective)

Alpha-lipoic acid: 600mg 2x/day (antioxidant, mitochondrial support)

CoQ10: 200-600mg ubiquinol (mitochondrial support)

B-vitamins: Methylated B-complex (brain repair, methylation)

Progesterone: If pituitary damage, bioidentical progesterone 100-200mg at bedtime first 2 weeks (neuroprotective, reduces edema - studied in TBI)

Testosterone: If low from pituitary damage, TRT (but often recovers with time - wait 3-6 months before starting)

Thyroid: Optimize if pituitary damage (common in TBI - secondary hypothyroid)

Ketogenic diet: Therapeutic in TBI recovery (ketones as brain fuel when glucose metabolism impaired)

Hyperbaric oxygen: 1.3-1.5 ATA, 60-90 min sessions, 20-40 treatments (stimulates neuroplasticity, healing - many case reports of dramatic improvement)

Neurofeedback: To retrain brain patterns after TBI

Physical therapy: Vestibular rehabilitation for balance issues, vision therapy for eye tracking

Sleep: Absolute priority (8-10 hours, melatonin 3-10mg, dark room) - brain heals during sleep

Avoid: Alcohol (neurotoxic), contact sports (second impact syndrome), cognitive overload

Gradual return to activity: Stepwise cognitive and physical activity as tolerated (not strict rest beyond acute phase)

Key Resources

Curing the Incurable by Andrew Marr & Mark Gordon, Millennium Health Centers protocols, omega-3 TBI research, HBOT literature

Contraindications & Risks

HBOT requires medical supervision and proper facility, hormone replacement needs testing/monitoring

Important Notes

TBI causes primary injury (immediate impact) and secondary injury (neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress over days-weeks) - treatment targets secondary injury. Pituitary vulnerable to shearing forces - hormonal dysfunction common after moderate-severe TBI and even "mild" concussions (test hormones). Mark Gordon and Andrew Marr's work shows hormonal replacement transforms TBI recovery in many cases. Omega-3 is most evidence-based - loading dose in acute phase. DHA is brain structure, EPA anti-inflammatory. Creatine provides brain energy (ATP). Ketogenic diet offers alternative fuel when glucose metabolism impaired. Hyperbaric oxygen emerging as powerful therapy - stimulates neuroplasticity, mitochondrial biogenesis, stem cells. Best if started early but benefits even years after injury. Post-concussion syndrome (symptoms >3 months) affects 10-20% - comprehensive protocol often helps. Complete rest beyond 48-72 hours may be counterproductive - graded return to activity now recommended. Nutrient depletion (magnesium, antioxidants) occurs during injury. Progesterone studied in TBI (neuroprotective but clinical trials mixed results). Screen contact sport athletes regularly for subclinical HPA dysfunction. Multiple concussions increase dementia/CTE risk - prevention and thorough recovery crucial.

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 79 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate

GBS Score79 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperMark Gordon, Andrew Marr, functional medicine

DurationAcute 3 months, post-concussion syndrome 6-12 months, some need longer

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.