Brain Fog & Brain Health

Sustaining a Healthy Brain

In order for the brain to work optimally, it needs ample supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through the blood flow through the major vessels in the neck and proper flow of cerebrospinal fluid.  Any decrease or alteration of the flow of either of these flow patterns can lead to neurodegeneration and decreased brain activity.

Normal Brain Blood Flow

The brain and the brainstem require a constant delivery of nutrients and oxygen from blood vessels that travel through the neck. The main two blood vessels that send blood to the brain are the vertebral artery and the carotid artery. The vertebral artery travels up through the outer portion of bones in the neck and through the atlas bone, which is the top bone of the spine. The carotid artery travels deep in the neck and passes directly in front of the atlas bone.

Blood that travels to the brain also has to leave the brain effectively. The largest blood vessel that drains the brain is the internal jugular vein. The internal jugular vein also passes directly in front of the atlas bone on its way down the neck. 

The Upper Cervical Spine

Because of their close proximity to the atlas bone, these blood vessels are susceptible to problems in the upper cervical spine. A misalignment of the craniocervical junction (the joints between the skull and the top of the spine) can cause pressure and tension on these blood vessels, diminishing their blood flow. Twisting of the craniocervical junction can be especially compromising.

When blood traveling to the brain is diminished, it can cause significant problems in the brain. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is when the vertebral arteries do not deliver enough blood to the brainstem and the back of the brain. A misalignment can cause a mild vertebrobasilar insufficiency. This can lead to vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and numbness in the hands and feet.

Diminished blood flow to the brain can also diminish brain activity over time. Without proper blood flow, brain function and concentration are impaired. The longer that blood flow carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is diminished, the more difficult it becomes to think clearly and have the brain work its best.

Blood flow traveling out of the brain through the jugular vein can also be compromised. When the brain cannot correctly drain, pressure can build in the brain cavity. This can lead to migraines, idiopathic intracranial pressure, and hydrocephalus. If left long enough, there is evidence showing that this can lead to long term neurodegeneration.

Correcting the Problem

If the craniocervical junction is misaligned, then precise correction is needed to properly align it. Upper cervical doctors are trained to examine the upper neck for misalignment of the craniocervical junction. The upper cervical procedures used to correct this misalignment do not involve forceful twisting of the neck. Instead, these gentle and calculated procedures can align the upper cervical spine, allowing for normal blood flow to return to the brain.  Upper cervical doctors use specialized exams and carefully analyzed X-rays to determine the extent of an upper cervical misalignment. After a correction is given, post corrective examination and analysis is performed to ensure that the alignment was done correctly.

The Purpose of CSF

The brain is surrounded by a protective fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid is very important to brain function and brain protection. This CSF provides protection from shock such as falls and head injuries. The CSF is also responsible for delivering nutrients to the brain from the bloodstream. Not only does it provide nutrients, but it plays a major role in clearing out waste between the nerve cells of the brain. 

The cerebrospinal fluid is produced deep inside the brain in an area called the ventricles. Once the fluid is made, it is transported down the center of the spinal cord and out of the ventricles at the brainstem. As it exits the ventricles, the CSF surrounds the brain and the outside of the spinal cord.  

Turbulent Flow Patterns

The CSF has a pumping effect that pumps with each beat of your heart. The fluid will circulate around the brain and down the spinal cord in a particular flow pattern. The flow is not noticeable under normal circumstances.  

Fluid flow can, however, be disrupted and cause turbulence, much like rough river beds that cause rapids. A significant cause of this turbulent CSF flow is a misalignment at the craniocervical junction (the joints between the skull and the top bone of the spine). A craniocervical junction misalignment can twist or torque the covering over the spinal cord (called dura matter) and cause the fluid to pound on the brainstem. This pounding turbulence is linked to pounding headaches and multiple neurodegenerative conditions including multiple sclerosis.  

In some instances, the brainstem can also plug the bottom of the brain and cause a blockage of the CSF flow. This blockage is like putting a cork in the bottom of your brain cavity, backing up the fluid. This blockage occurs commonly with people who have Arnold-Chiari malformations, especially if they also have an upper cervical misalignment. It can also occur in individuals who have had traumatic whiplash-type injuries that have pulled the spinal cord and brainstem down. These injuries will often lead to a misalignment of the upper cervical spine.  

When the CSF fluid flow is blocked at the upper cervical spine, the fluid can back up and can increase pressure in the cranium (linked to hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly). This backed up fluid can lead to migraines and pain behind the eyes. If the fluid is not draining properly, waste products from the brain can accumulate which can slow down cognitive function. If left long enough, it can progress to more severe conditions such as hydrocephalus and neurodegeneration, including dementia type symptoms.

Correcting the Problem

Correcting the alignment of the craniocervical junction can improve flow of CSF through the brain and down the spinal cord. It can also improve blood flow to and from the brain.  By improving CSF flow, the brain function improves and nerves begin to heal. Correcting the misalignment can also improve pressure regulation by allowing the fluid to drain and filter correctly. 

Non-surgical restoration of the cerebrospinal fluid can be influenced through upper cervical care. It is one of many factors involved with a craniocervical misalignment that can negatively affect your health. Upper cervical chiropractic care is known for gentle and precise correction of the craniocervical junction. There are a number of these gentle procedures used, but the goal of this care is to restore health to the body through the stability of the upper cervical spine.

Dr. Chris Slininger is trained to examine the upper neck for misalignment of the craniocervical junction. The upper cervical procedures used to correct this misalignment do not involve forceful twisting of the neck. Instead, these gentle and calculated procedures can align the upper cervical spine, allowing for normal blood flow to return to the brain.  Dr. Slininger use specialized exams and carefully analyzed X-rays to determine the extent of an upper cervical misalignment. After a correction is given, post corrective examination and analysis is performed to ensure that the alignment was done correctly.

Get Help Today

Dr. Slininger practices at the Comey Clinic of Chiropractic in Largo, FL. If you have brain fog or any type of neurodegeneration and would like to see if you are a candidate for care, please call the office at (727) 528-8700. We will schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Slininger. This initial visit will include specific set of X-ray of your upper neck. Depending on your case, additional imaging may be necessary. If you are a candidate for care, your doctor will tailor a plan, sit down and explain your care, and start the correction process. We care about you, we understand you want the root of the problem corrected, and we are here to help.