re: LSU, Miles seeking solutions to the concussion problem

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Other researchers have previously shown the benefits of DHA and EPA Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of brain trauma.

Researcher Lawrence Roberts and his team published Surviving a Mine Explosion. Their paper relates the story of Randal McCloy, Jr., the sole survivor of 13 miners who were trapped for two days in the West Virginia Sago Coal Mine explosion on January 2, 2006. When rescued, McCloy was almost dead with almost no electrical brain activity due to carbon monoxide poisoning along with hemorrhaging and swelling of his brain. His doctors predicted that he would die shortly, or have permanent brain damage if he managed to survive. He was given 15 grams of DHA and EPA daily to help his brain rebuild. His electrical brain activity returned, and he gradually regained his ability to walk, talk, and see. Today, he is mostly able to function normally, and is married with children.

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A case report titled Therapeutic Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Severe Head Trauma was published by Dr. Michael Lewis and colleagues.

A teenager was involved in a car accident, resulting in a severe concussion. While in a coma, surgery was done to relieve pressure on the brain from a subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain). His doctors believed that his injuries would be fatal, or he would be a permanent “vegetable” at best. A gastric tube was used to feed him 16.5 grams of DHA and EPA and 6000 IU of vitamin D daily. He was able to attend his high school graduation at three months, and was discharged from the hospital four months after his brain injury. He continues to functionally improve with no adverse effects. His doctors relate that the Omega-3 fatty acids provide a foundation for rebuilding the brain and normalizing the ion balance while decreasing damage from free-radicals and the inflammatory process seen with brain injuries. Quoting Dr. Lewis’ team, “Early nutritional intervention in traumatic brain injury is underappreciated. Patients not fed within 5 and 7 days after traumatic brain injury have a 2- and 4-fold increased likelihood of death, respectively.”

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