Common Colds Can Have Complications for the Brain-Injured

• Encephalitis, commonly known as severe inflammation, can include symptoms like confusion, memory problems, seizures, and even long-term brain damage in severe cases. Some cold viruses, like enteroviruses or adenoviruses, can spread to the brain and cause encephalitis.
• Hypoxia, low oxygen to the brains from severe respiratory infections, can damage brain cells and worsen existing brain conditions like stroke or TBI recovery. If a cold progresses to a severe lung infection like pneumonia or bronchitis, it can lead to hypoxia.
• Post-viral effects and subsequent autoimmune reactions can cause acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) which results in neurological damage. Some viruses can cause an autoimmune response, where the body’s immune system erroneously invades the brain.
• In people who already have cardiovascular issues like history of stroke, TBI, or diabetes, a cold can cause systemic inflammation, augmenting the risk of a blood clot and, ultimately, a stroke.

In order to keep the brain healthier and stop the dangers from a common cold:

• If you experience severe headaches, confusion, weakness, or persistent fever, seek medical attention.
• Stay hydrated, rest, and take anti-inflammatory medications if needed.
• If breathing issues such as congestion become severe, make sure you’re getting enough oxygen by ordering a “finger pulse Oximeter blood oxygen monitor.” Amazon has them by typing in the search bar everything in quotes.
• Prevent Secondary Infections: A cold can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to more serious infections like pneumonia.

At the first signs of a cold, take action early:

• Hydrate more because dehydration can worsen low blood pressure resulting in brain fog.
• Rest because overexertion can lead to brain fatigue.
• Drink broth, coconut water, or electrolyte drinks to stabilize blood pressure. 
• Reduce noise, computer screens, and mental stress to avoid overstimulation.

Cold remedies for stroke & TBI recovery:

• Fluids

• • Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, peppermint to avoid caffeine
  • Bone broth to hydrate and provide nutrients for brain recovery
  • Water with Lemon & Honey to soothe throat and provide vitamin C

• Safe medications but please, check with your doctor

• • Cough drops with honey and without menthol which can cause dizziness in some people
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) which is safe for fever and aches does not thin the blood like aspirin
  • Saline nasal spray to help congestion without affecting blood pressure
  • Avoid decongestants like Sudafed or Phenylephrine which can raise blood pressure and affect brain circulation

Managing brain fog and fatigue while sick:

• Sleep than usual for healing to occur which requires more brain energy.
• Employ shorter activity periods, like work in 15-30 minute cycles, then rest and resume.
• Use checklists or reminders, for example, to reduce mental stressors.
• Practice deep breathing to supply more oxygen to the brain.

Preventing complications for stroke & TBI safety

• If feeling lightheaded, increase fluids & electrolytes.

• If blood pressure gets too low, lie down with feet elevated.

• If fever lasts more than 3 days, see your doctor.

• If breathing is difficult, get checked for pneumonia.

• If confusion, dizziness, or headaches worsen, seek medical help.

Post-Cold Brain Recovery (Extra Care After You’re Better!)

• Take short walks if possible to improve circulation without overloading the brain.
• Eat brain-strengthening foods like Omega-3s, avocados, nuts, and leafy greens.
• Use warm baths which helps the muscles recover.
• Resume tasks gradually to give your brain time to rebuild energy.

Linus Pauling, who used quantum mechanics to understand and describe the way atoms join together to form molecules, had this to say about the common cold: “If you take a reasonable amount of vitamin C regularly, the incidence of the common cold goes down. If you get a cold and start immediately, as soon as you start sneezing and sniffling, the cold just doesn’t get going.”

Believe him. Why would anyone want to argue with someone who won a Nobel Prize?