Head injury is any trauma that causes injury to the scalp, skull or brain. There are two types of head injuries: A closed head injury occurs when you experience head trauma from an object that does not break the skull, while an open brain injury occurs when an object breaks your skull and penetrates the brain. Fish oil might help you recover from brain injury. Consult your doctor before you take fish oil supplements.
Head Injury and Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for improving brain function in patients with traumatic head injuries, according to PubMedHealth. Omega-3 fatty acids help rebuild your brain's neuronal connections as well as receptor sites for neurotransmitters, according to Foodforthebrain.org. The more omega-3 fatty acids in your blood, the more neurotransmitters you make and the less likely you are to experience behavioral and cognitive symptoms from brain injury.
Fish Oil Administration
Fish oil supplements are available in capsule and liquid form at most pharmacies. The supplements usually are made from fatty fish such as herring, halibut, cod liver , mackerel, whale blubber and salmon. Fish oil supplements also might be combined with vitamin A, B-1, B-2, B-3, C, D and E, according to MedlinePlus. Avoid taking OTC fish oil supplements without informing your doctor.
Fish Oil Side Effects
Fish oil can cause side effects such as heartburn, belching, nausea, rash, loose stools, bad breath and nose bleeds, according to MedlinePlus. Avoid taking fish oil supplements if you have liver disease and bleeding disorders because fish oil can prevent blood from clotting. Large amounts of fish oil also can increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Head Injury Symptoms
Symptoms of brain injury can occur immediately or develop slowly over several hours or days. Even if you don't fracture your skull, you might develop symptoms if your brain gets bruised from banging against the inside of the skull. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe headache; clear or bloody fluid that drains from your mouth, nose or ears; vomiting; stiff neck; inability to move your limbs; slurred speech; and irritability.
