Neurology Primer – Ketones and Traumatic Brain Injury (324)

Neurology Primer – Ketones and Traumatic Brain Injury presented by Dr. Mike Nelson

  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is becoming more common and nutrition can play a large role post injury and potentially before.  When a TBI occurs, the brain has to rapidly deal with two massive issues: The first is the metabolic insult via glucose metabolism going “offline” thus imparting an energy crisis.  The brain loves to use glucose as its primary fuel, but after a TBI the metabolic pathways that are typically used to create energy from glucose are disrupted.  The second is the potential opening of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and neuro-inflammation.  An impact/ insult to the brain can cause the BBB to become more permeable and allow compounds into the brain that are normally kept out by an intact / functioning BBB.  These compounds result in a much higher amount of neuro-inflammation. Nutritional strategies may combat both of these issues.  In this lecture, we will discuss the role of ketones via diet and supplementation as a potential intervention. Understanding the relationship between brain injury and nutritional interventions, especially a ketogenic diet to increase ketone bodies, allows clinicians to determine what is best for the patient and their course of therapy.  Once completed, learners will have thorough understanding of the role of a ketogenic diet / ketones upon brain metabolism related to TBI and basic neurology.      

Topics Covered ​

• The Ketogenic Diet
• 3 types of ketone bodies
• Metabolism of a ketogenic state in the brain and the body
• Impact of injury to the brain related to metabolism
• Metabolic fuel selection 101 from fat to ketones to carbs
• The misunderstood role of insulin
• 4S model of metabolism
• Neuro inflammation
• Pathways stimulated such as AMPK, FOXO, Nrf2, etc
• Pathways reduced such as MTOR, insulin, etc
• Epigenetic changes
• Application of the ketogenic diet
• Typical macronutrients during ketosis
• Impact of different types of dietary fat
• The role of Omega 3 (EPA + DHA aka fish oils)
• Exogenous ketone supplements, types, sources, typical dosing
• Timing effects of ketone supplments
• Pros  / cons of the ketogenic diet
• Typical protocol to determine at state of ketosis
• Glucose vs ketones

Included in your Tuition:

• 8 hours of completely interactive learning – quizzes presented throughout the lecture to ensure maximum learning
• 8 Neurology Hours towards Neurology Fellowship and Diplomate Examinations
• Lifetime Access to the module
• Lifetime access to the Flipped Classroom
• 3 months Medline access upon completion of the module