From the book Concussion Rescue by Kabran Chapek, ND
Based on the necessity of early intervention. Following a TBI, the brain undergoes a rapid, detrimental neurometabolic cascade. This protocol uses multiple, non-toxic nutrients simultaneously to reduce inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and supply alternative energy sources to the injured brain.
The goal is to initiate the protocol as soon as possible, ideally within the first 1 to 3 hours, but no later than 24 hours after the suspected injury.
A potent multivitamin is considered crucial for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery because the injured brain needs all the vitamins and minerals it can get, and healing is seriously jeopardized if the body lacks the proper foundational nutrients. This supplement ensures the brain receives essential elements necessary for optimal recovery. Specifically, a multivitamin provides components like Methylfolate and Methyl B12, which are necessary to make new DNA, proteins, and neuronal cells, and it should ideally contain sufficient, highly absorbable magnesium (at least 50 mg to 100 mg) to help balance the damaging influx of calcium that occurs after a brain injury.
Acute loading dose for immediate neuroprotective support (based on ~175-lb person).
4,000 mg (8x 500mg caps)
Counters Free Radical Formation & Inflammation. A precursor to glutathione (the body's premier antioxidant) which quenches reactive oxygen species (ROOS). Can reduce cell death by up to 67%.
(Dose: 50mg/kg)
1,000 mg (2x 500mg caps)
Counters Increased Inflammation & Cerebral Edema. A potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces inflammatory chemicals (like IL-1) and helps reduce swelling by modulating Aquaporin 4.
2,000 mg (2x 1,000mg caps)
Counters Free Radical Formation & Cerebral Edema. A water-soluble antioxidant that halts the "secondary injury" phase. Works synergistically with Vitamin E.
10,000 IU (2x 5,000 IU caps)
Counters Increased Inflammation & Metabolic Dysregulation. An immunomodulator that helps regulate calcium absorption, preventing excessive calcium influx that causes secondary cell death.
1 tbsp
Counters Metabolic Dysregulation. Provides an efficient alternative fuel (ketone bodies) to circumvent the initial cerebral energy crisis. (Avoid IV or high-dose glucose).
1 tbsp (5 grams)
Counters Metabolic Dysregulation & Neurotransmitter Imbalances. Helps restore normal neurotransmitter balance and supports energy metabolism and brain cell repair.
10 g (2 scoops)
Counters Metabolic Dysregulation. Assists with overall brain energy production and neurological function.
2,000 mg (144mg elemental)
Counters Excitotoxicity & Cerebral Edema. Helps balance the damaging influx of calcium and is crucial for TBI recovery.
(Note: Mix MCT oil powder and BCAA powder into 8-10 ounces of water.)
Maintains high levels of neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory support during the first week.
| Supplement | Dosage (Days 1-4, Twice Daily) | Dosage (Days 5-7, Twice Daily) | Intervention Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAC (500mg/cap) | 4 caps (2,000 mg/dose) | 3 caps (1,500 mg/dose) | Maintain high antioxidant/glutathione levels to quench ongoing oxidative stress. |
| Curcumin (500mg/cap) | 2 caps (1,000 mg/dose) | 1 cap (500 mg/dose) | Sustain anti-inflammatory action and continue reduction of cerebral edema. |
| Vitamin C (1,000 mg) | 1 cap (1,000 mg) | 1 cap (1,000 mg) | Provide continuous water-soluble antioxidant support. |
| Vitamin D (5,000 IU) | 1 cap (5,000 IU) | 1 cap (5,000 IU) | Sustained immunomodulation and control of inflammation/calcium influx. |
| Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) | 1 cap (1,000 mg) | 1 cap (1,000 mg) | Counters Chronic Neuroinflammation. Dose is 1000mg of EPA+DHA combined. DHA provides building blocks for neural membranes; EPA acts as an anti-inflammatory. |
| MCT Oil Powder OR Exogenous Ketones |
MCT: 1 tbsp, 3/day Ketones: 1 packet, twice daily |
MCT: 1 tbsp, 3/day Ketones: 1 packet, twice daily |
Continuous supply of efficient alternative energy (ketone bodies). |
| BCAA Powder | 1 tbsp (3 times a day) | 1 tbsp (3 times a day) | Support energy production, neurotransmitter balance, and repair of brain cells. |
| Magnesium L-Threonate | 2000 mg (144 mg elemental) | 2000 mg (144 mg elemental) | Continued support for neuroprotection and regulation of calcium influx. |
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) | 100 mg | 100 mg | Support mitochondrial function and enhance brain energy (ATP) production. |
| Creatine | 5g twice daily | 5g twice daily | Continued assistance with overall brain energy production. |
(Note: Progesterone (2-4 mg/kg daily for first month) must be consulted with a physician.)
Recommended long-term maintenance dosages for ongoing brain recovery and support.