Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about how sustaining a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can increase one’s risk of autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease is multifactorial, but the consensus is that each one requires genetic predisposition, intestinal permeability, and an environmental trigger.
The environmental trigger could be a food sensitivity, virus or bacteria, or chemical sensitivity. When one sustains a TBI, it causes disruption of the blood brain barrier and the gut-brain axis. This disruption leads to lack of intestinal control along with inflammation. Both lead to increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut. Not everyone who sustains a TBI will develop these complications, especially if persistent post-concussion symptoms are identified and treated early.
If this individual has genetic predisposition and is also exposed to an environmental trigger, autoimmunity can begin. Check out the video for more in depth information on how a traumatic brain injury can lead to autoimmunity!
Katzenberger RJ, Ganetzky B, Wassarman DA. The gut reaction to traumatic brain injury. Fly (Austin). 2015;9(2):68-74.
