Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries at Azzolino

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), also known as Intracranial injuries, are in the headlines almost every day. TBI is generally the result of a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head. The brain is launched into a collision course with the inside of the skull, resulting in possible bruising of the brain, tearing of nerve fibers, and bleeding. A whiplash-type injury can result in a brain injury without even hitting the head.

Ranging in severity from mild (mTBI or mild traumatic brain injury), to severe life-threatening, each injury should be taken seriously. Regardless of the severity, all brain injuries can result in the compromise of normal brain function. Our physicians are at the forefront of TBI assessment and treatment. We provide a comprehensive approach to maximize healing and restoring function. Although difficult to detect with conventional imaging such as MRI or CT, we utilize advanced diagnostic modalities to identify damaged areas and formulate a customized neurological rehabilitation program to restore your health. We offer customized nutritional therapies and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to ensure optimal healing.

Symptoms of a brain injury include:

  • Unconsciousness
  • Inability to remember the cause of the injury or events that occurred immediately before or up to 24 hours after
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Difficulty remembering new information
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Trouble speaking coherently
  • Changes in emotions or sleep patterns

The severity of symptoms depends on whether the injury is mild, moderate, or severe.

  • Mild traumatic brain injury, also known as a concussion, either does not knock you out or knocks you out for 30 minutes or less. Symptoms often appear at the time of the injury or soon after, but sometimes may not develop for days or weeks. MTBI symptoms are usually temporary and clear up within hours, days, or weeks, but they can last months or longer.
  • Moderate traumatic brain injury causes unconsciousness lasting more than 30 minutes. Moderate traumatic brain injury symptoms are similar to those of mild traumatic brain injury but more severe and longer-lasting.
  • Severe traumatic brain injury knocks you out for more than 24 hours. Severe traumatic brain injury symptoms are similar to those of moderate traumatic brain injury but more severe and longer-lasting.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), USA:

  • Every 15 seconds one American man, woman or child sustains a significant traumatic brain injury
  • 2 million American adults and children suffer from traumatic brain injury annually
  • Approximately one-third of injury-related American deaths are linked to TBI.
  • 50,000 patients die annually in America as a result of TBI
  • Roughly 230,000 hospitalizations occur annually as a result of TBI
  • 1.1 million Americans are treated for TBI and released from an emergency department
  • 2% of the US population lives with TBI-related disabilities
  • Direct medical costs and indirect costs, such as lost productivity of TBI totaled an estimated $60 billion in the USA in 2000
  • Among American children aged up to 14 years, TBI results in an estimated:
    • 2,685 deaths,
    • 37,000 hospitalizations
    • 435,000 emergency department visits annually.

The total number of individuals with TBI who do not go to the emergency department, or who do not receive any care is unknown.

Scientists have not managed to identify effective medications to improve outcomes for such patients, despite the extent of the problem.

Patients from around the world have consulted Azzolino Chiropractic Neurology & Integrative Wellness and have had great success by our customized approach of neurological rehabilitation, nutritional, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Look no further. We have what it takes to help you heal.

Our Doctors

Get to know us and our doctors. We are Neurological Chiropractors, Integrative MDs, Naturopaths, Respiratory Therapists and more.

Read more about our doctors

Specialist

Sergio F. Azzolino

Dr. Sergio F. Azzolino is an internationally renowned clinician who has been serving his profession and patients from around the world since 1995. In 2012…

Read more about Dr. Azzolino

What Our Patients Have to Say

  • Lisa B. – San Francisco

    "I've been going to Azzolino Chiropractic on and off for a couple of years, mostly for sports-related issues and I can confidently say they've helped me enormously. When I started going I was training for a half-marathon and having some knee pain. I was doing a charity event so I stuck it out and finished my event. Since then I've continued to work with Dr. A, my knee pain is gone, I've lost over 35 pounds and proudly completed not one but two full marathons in 2008. I could not have accomplished this without the care and support of Dr. Azzolino and his excellent team. He truly cares about the whole person, not just the sum of symptoms you present. I credit him with helping me feel the best I have in years... Highly recommend to anyone who's living with pain or limited movement."
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:51:12+00:00
    "I've been going to Azzolino Chiropractic on and off for a couple of years, mostly for sports-related issues and I can confidently say they've helped me enormously. When I started going I was training for a half-marathon and having some knee pain. I was doing a charity event so I stuck it out and finished my event. Since then I've continued to work with Dr. A, my knee pain is gone, I've lost over 35 pounds and proudly completed not one but two full marathons in 2008. I could not have accomplished this without the care and support of Dr. Azzolino and his excellent team. He truly cares about the whole person, not just the sum of symptoms you present. I credit him with helping me feel the best I have in years... Highly recommend to anyone who's living with pain or limited movement."
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Emiko I. – Monterey, CA

    I highly recommend Dr. Azzolino's office. Dr. Azzolino definitely pours his heart and soul into his work, and is incredibly knowledgeable. I went to see him due to symptoms we suffered from chemical exposure, and we went to him after looking for answers for many months. When other doctors were not able to help us, he was reassuring and provided immediate treatment as well as exercises we could do at home, and this was the turning point for us in our recovery. I only wish we had gone to him sooner and that we lived closer to his office, as a 2+ hour drive is difficult to do regularly, especially with kids. But, he and his office staff have been awesome to work with - even remotely, quickly responding to emails and phone calls. Dr. Azzolino and his other staff are very warm and caring and down-to-earth, at the same time Dr. Azzolino is efficiently and accurately doing sophisticated analyses and treatments with cutting edge techniques to do work that almost seem miraculous!
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:51:34+00:00
    I highly recommend Dr. Azzolino's office. Dr. Azzolino definitely pours his heart and soul into his work, and is incredibly knowledgeable. I went to see him due to symptoms we suffered from chemical exposure, and we went to him after looking for answers for many months. When other doctors were not able to help us, he was reassuring and provided immediate treatment as well as exercises we could do at home, and this was the turning point for us in our recovery. I only wish we had gone to him sooner and that we lived closer to his office, as a 2+ hour drive is difficult to do regularly, especially with kids. But, he and his office staff have been awesome to work with - even remotely, quickly responding to emails and phone calls. Dr. Azzolino and his other staff are very warm and caring and down-to-earth, at the same time Dr. Azzolino is efficiently and accurately doing sophisticated analyses and treatments with cutting edge techniques to do work that almost seem miraculous!
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • J. A. – Oakland, CA

    I love Dr. Azzolino. I originally went on the recommendation of my boss (who was a patient) after a car accident left me with torn ligaments in my neck and upper back. They booked me in immediately, and let me tell you, I'd NEVER felt so well taken care of by a doctor before! For two hours, Sergio and his staff tested everything from my peripheral vision to sensitivity to reflexes, took x-rays and in general treated me with great care, respect and concern. It took a while to recover, but I looked forward to every visit, knowing I'd feel much better afterwards. I've been back many times over the years for a wrenched back and a misalignment due to a broken leg, and always feel as well cared for as I did on that first visit. Thankfully, It's been nearly two years since I've needed to go (thanks in part to the stretching exercises he taught me), but I always know if I'm bent over like a question mark and in extreme pain, or just feel the need for an adjustment, they'll be there for me.
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:51:56+00:00
    I love Dr. Azzolino. I originally went on the recommendation of my boss (who was a patient) after a car accident left me with torn ligaments in my neck and upper back. They booked me in immediately, and let me tell you, I'd NEVER felt so well taken care of by a doctor before! For two hours, Sergio and his staff tested everything from my peripheral vision to sensitivity to reflexes, took x-rays and in general treated me with great care, respect and concern. It took a while to recover, but I looked forward to every visit, knowing I'd feel much better afterwards. I've been back many times over the years for a wrenched back and a misalignment due to a broken leg, and always feel as well cared for as I did on that first visit. Thankfully, It's been nearly two years since I've needed to go (thanks in part to the stretching exercises he taught me), but I always know if I'm bent over like a question mark and in extreme pain, or just feel the need for an adjustment, they'll be there for me.
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Julie S. – Palo Alto

    Dr. Azzolino is by far the best Chiropractor I have ever seen. Over the past 9 months, my son's (6 and 10) and I travel weekly to see Dr. Azzolino. Before beginning treatment with Dr. Azzolino, I prayed for acceptable behavior from my son's, but had found it almost impossible for the kids to comply with any level of consistency. Today, their ability to attend to schoolwork, stay on task, follow direction, and maintain appropriate behavior in an appointment/office setting is nothing short of extraordinary. They are more confident (then when we began) and fully capable of conducting themselves properly in general. We owe Dr. Azzolino many thanks. Another advantage, Dr. Azzolino has clear boundaries with children, which include respectful behavior and cooperation. Holding the kids to this example, they respond beautifully. His technical expertise in accessing and individualizing treatment allows me to relax easily when my children are in his attention, another immeasurable value. As for me, after many years of a rigid-painful neck I have the full range of movement and functionality again. Shooting neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, etc., are no longer a daily grind, as his adjustments leave me with greater strength and a greater sense of mental clarity. Trained employees are courteous and knowledgeable, and Dr. Azzolino has staffed his office with talented colleagues as well. Dr. Azzolino is an accomplished practitioner, and I highly recommend his services.
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:53:35+00:00
    Dr. Azzolino is by far the best Chiropractor I have ever seen. Over the past 9 months, my son's (6 and 10) and I travel weekly to see Dr. Azzolino. Before beginning treatment with Dr. Azzolino, I prayed for acceptable behavior from my son's, but had found it almost impossible for the kids to comply with any level of consistency. Today, their ability to attend to schoolwork, stay on task, follow direction, and maintain appropriate behavior in an appointment/office setting is nothing short of extraordinary. They are more confident (then when we began) and fully capable of conducting themselves properly in general. We owe Dr. Azzolino many thanks. Another advantage, Dr. Azzolino has clear boundaries with children, which include respectful behavior and cooperation. Holding the kids to this example, they respond beautifully. His technical expertise in accessing and individualizing treatment allows me to relax easily when my children are in his attention, another immeasurable value. As for me, after many years of a rigid-painful neck I have the full range of movement and functionality again. Shooting neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, etc., are no longer a daily grind, as his adjustments leave me with greater strength and a greater sense of mental clarity. Trained employees are courteous and knowledgeable, and Dr. Azzolino has staffed his office with talented colleagues as well. Dr. Azzolino is an accomplished practitioner, and I highly recommend his services.
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Elena P.

    I've been seeing Dr Azzolino for jaw joint related pain (TMJ), a complication developed after a lengthy dental procedure. After 10 days of migraines I was directed to his office by a prosthodontist (bite specialist). Within 1 week all symptoms were gone, no meds were needed 🙂
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:53:58+00:00
    I've been seeing Dr Azzolino for jaw joint related pain (TMJ), a complication developed after a lengthy dental procedure. After 10 days of migraines I was directed to his office by a prosthodontist (bite specialist). Within 1 week all symptoms were gone, no meds were needed 🙂
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • S. A.

    I found Dr. Azzolino on Yelp just a few weeks ago. Out of the blue, I was in a lot of pain and not able to move without back spasms. I've seen him about 2-3 times a week over the past few weeks for adjustments and treatments now. My condition has improved immensely since seeing him. I find Dr. Azzolino to be very professional and personable. His staff if friendly and helpful too. I've had some mixed experiences in the past with various chiropractors so I will admit I was a bit leery coming in to see him the first time without any personal referrals. During my first visit to Dr. Azzolino I was very concerned about my condition as I consider myself to be too young to be in the pain I was in. He was very thorough with getting to know my needs and condition as well as took X-rays that he was able to go over with me in the same visit. His cost was surprisingly reasonable for the X-rays compared to other chiropractors I had seen before. He did a good job of explaining what was going on and also calming me down. I was actually impressed by his facilities and all the services he offers. Some other chiropractors I have seen in the past, seem to be limited in what treatments they have available at their facilities. Dr. Azzolino seems to be extensively knowledgeable about the body, how it works, and how it affects the mind. I definitely prefer doctors that integrate other schools of thought besides what they are formally taught. I think it helps to cure/correct whatever your issue is if you have a doctor that looks at the whole picture especially when it comes to physical pain as there are many possible causes that may not even be physical. Dr. Azzolino keeps up to date on relevant research and information. I appreciate him sharing suggestions to further educate me on how to take better care of my body. Unfortunately my insurance does not cover my visits, and even though most chiropractic care is pricey, Dr. Azzolino has proven to be worth the investment in my physical well being today, and hopefully long term as well. I definitely recommend his practice if you are searching for a chiropractor in the area . 🙂
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:54:19+00:00
    I found Dr. Azzolino on Yelp just a few weeks ago. Out of the blue, I was in a lot of pain and not able to move without back spasms. I've seen him about 2-3 times a week over the past few weeks for adjustments and treatments now. My condition has improved immensely since seeing him. I find Dr. Azzolino to be very professional and personable. His staff if friendly and helpful too. I've had some mixed experiences in the past with various chiropractors so I will admit I was a bit leery coming in to see him the first time without any personal referrals. During my first visit to Dr. Azzolino I was very concerned about my condition as I consider myself to be too young to be in the pain I was in. He was very thorough with getting to know my needs and condition as well as took X-rays that he was able to go over with me in the same visit. His cost was surprisingly reasonable for the X-rays compared to other chiropractors I had seen before. He did a good job of explaining what was going on and also calming me down. I was actually impressed by his facilities and all the services he offers. Some other chiropractors I have seen in the past, seem to be limited in what treatments they have available at their facilities. Dr. Azzolino seems to be extensively knowledgeable about the body, how it works, and how it affects the mind. I definitely prefer doctors that integrate other schools of thought besides what they are formally taught. I think it helps to cure/correct whatever your issue is if you have a doctor that looks at the whole picture especially when it comes to physical pain as there are many possible...
    0
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Marcie D.

    I have been going to Dr. Azzolino for 8 years now. On my first visit, I had horrible vertigo and I could not stand up or walk. I had tried many Doctors and alternative therapy. As a Chiropractor-Neurologist, Dr. Azzolino is highly qualified, and performed tests for the brain, nerves and muscles. I was desperate- and he cured me of Vertigo. A miracle!! I continue with regular brain exercises, balance movements and chiropractic maintenance sessions. He is very knowledgable and thorough. He is outstanding in the filed of Chiro/Neurology...Marcie Dinkel
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:54:45+00:00
    I have been going to Dr. Azzolino for 8 years now. On my first visit, I had horrible vertigo and I could not stand up or walk. I had tried many Doctors and alternative therapy. As a Chiropractor-Neurologist, Dr. Azzolino is highly qualified, and performed tests for the brain, nerves and muscles. I was desperate- and he cured me of Vertigo. A miracle!! I continue with regular brain exercises, balance movements and chiropractic maintenance sessions. He is very knowledgable and thorough. He is outstanding in the filed of Chiro/Neurology...Marcie Dinkel
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Hilary R.

    I have never in my lifetime been to a Dr's office that cares so much about their patients that they are willing to call the insurance company while you are working with the Dr. Dr Azzolino not only worked wth me but put the insurance company on speaker phone to drill down what they would cover and how to actually help me find a way to make this work! He has helped me in less than a week feel better due to a sprained and inflamed lower disc and has even shown me excercises I could do on my own. The integrity and passion this office has for their work is second to none. I highly recommend Dr Azzolino and his staff!
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:55:32+00:00
    I have never in my lifetime been to a Dr's office that cares so much about their patients that they are willing to call the insurance company while you are working with the Dr. Dr Azzolino not only worked wth me but put the insurance company on speaker phone to drill down what they would cover and how to actually help me find a way to make this work! He has helped me in less than a week feel better due to a sprained and inflamed lower disc and has even shown me excercises I could do on my own. The integrity and passion this office has for their work is second to none. I highly recommend Dr Azzolino and his staff!
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Ross C.

    I've sought help from many doctors and chiropractors in my life. I can easily say that Dr. Azzolino and his staff are a credit to this world. He's not afraid to be straight-forward with you and give the best advice and service possible. A very positive goal-orientated person.
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:55:55+00:00
    I've sought help from many doctors and chiropractors in my life. I can easily say that Dr. Azzolino and his staff are a credit to this world. He's not afraid to be straight-forward with you and give the best advice and service possible. A very positive goal-orientated person.
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Dia R.

    I have to write a review for anyone that might need a pediatric or adult neurologist down the line because I am so incredibly impressed by our visit with Dr. Azzolino in SF, at Azzolino Chiropractic neurology and Integrative Wellness. My son has developmental delays and some muscle weaknesses that have been attributed to neurological abnormalities. We had been to a traditional neurologist at Stanford, only to be told the only option was an MRI. Seeing this office online, I thought I'd give them a try before doing the MRI next summer. I am soo incredibly impressed at how pro-active Dr. Azzolino is. He gets the whole picture, not just the symptoms. And provided things I can do already to improve my son's condition, from ipad apps, to spinning, to specific exercises, to testing all from a more functional medicine standpoint. Mind you we are already doing physical therapy and speech therapy, but I was so impressed with the comprehensiveness of this neurologist compared to the traditional western medicine one. After leaving Stanford, I just kept thinking, there has to be something more I can do to improve my son's condition, from nutrition to exercises, etc. And boy was I right. Visiting Dr. Azzolino was exactly what I was looking for. A doctor that would look at his symptoms from a medical, nutritional, and functional standpoint.
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T10:56:27+00:00
    I have to write a review for anyone that might need a pediatric or adult neurologist down the line because I am so incredibly impressed by our visit with Dr. Azzolino in SF, at Azzolino Chiropractic neurology and Integrative Wellness. My son has developmental delays and some muscle weaknesses that have been attributed to neurological abnormalities. We had been to a traditional neurologist at Stanford, only to be told the only option was an MRI. Seeing this office online, I thought I'd give them a try before doing the MRI next summer. I am soo incredibly impressed at how pro-active Dr. Azzolino is. He gets the whole picture, not just the symptoms. And provided things I can do already to improve my son's condition, from ipad apps, to spinning, to specific exercises, to testing all from a more functional medicine standpoint. Mind you we are already doing physical therapy and speech therapy, but I was so impressed with the comprehensiveness of this neurologist compared to the traditional western medicine one. After leaving Stanford, I just kept thinking, there has to be something more I can do to improve my son's condition, from nutrition to exercises, etc. And boy was I right. Visiting Dr. Azzolino was exactly what I was looking for. A doctor that would look at his symptoms from a medical, nutritional, and functional standpoint.
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Anonymous

    Dr Azzolino has helped me overcome various health issues. I had a very severe injury, which left me with terrible vertigo and balance problems. I am told I’ve made a miraculous recovery, and I have no doubt that Dr Azzolino played a huge role in this.
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T12:09:26+00:00
    Dr Azzolino has helped me overcome various health issues. I had a very severe injury, which left me with terrible vertigo and balance problems. I am told I’ve made a miraculous recovery, and I have no doubt that Dr Azzolino played a huge role in this.
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • David G.

    I found Dr. Azzolino a year after developing a repetitive stress injury. I had never seriously considered chiropractic care, but Dr. Azzolino's explanation of my condition meshed with what I taught myself about repetitive stress injury and allowed me to finally fully understand my condition. Two years later, I am significantly better.
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T12:10:06+00:00
    I found Dr. Azzolino a year after developing a repetitive stress injury. I had never seriously considered chiropractic care, but Dr. Azzolino's explanation of my condition meshed with what I taught myself about repetitive stress injury and allowed me to finally fully understand my condition. Two years later, I am significantly better.
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • James Nokes

    I have had severe problems with vertigo, general dizziness and lack of balance for over a year. Luckily, I found Dr. Azzolino’s group. It’s hard to express just how much better my life is now that the whole world isn’t constantly spinning around...
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T12:10:27+00:00
    I have had severe problems with vertigo, general dizziness and lack of balance for over a year. Luckily, I found Dr. Azzolino’s group. It’s hard to express just how much better my life is now that the whole world isn’t constantly spinning around...
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic

  • Jeanne Belli, Registered Nurse, CranioSacral therapist

    I watched Dr. Azzolino first hand change the lives of patients who were wheel chair bound. I saw the compassion in his demeanor and touch and heard the gratitude that patients expressed toward him and his work. I have not met a chiropractor with such dedication, wisdom and persistence.
    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic
    2020-05-25T12:10:59+00:00
    I watched Dr. Azzolino first hand change the lives of patients who were wheel chair bound. I saw the compassion in his demeanor and touch and heard the gratitude that patients expressed toward him and his work. I have not met a chiropractor with such dedication, wisdom and persistence.
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    Azzolino Functional Neurology & Advanced Medicine & Chiropractic