Concussion
A patient-derived procedure for adults whose symptoms have lasted after a concussion, such as headaches, brain fog, poor sleep, and sensitivity to light. It uses bone marrow from your own body, minimally processed in our on-site lab, with no donor cells. It is given by IV and, in selected cases, through the nose. We see patients from Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and across the United States.
Persistent symptoms
Symptoms that continue for months after a concussion are called persistent post-concussion symptoms. In a 2022 systematic review, Lambert and colleagues write that approximately 15% to 30% of people with a history of concussion have them (ref 1).
They tend to fall into a few groups. Physical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise. Thinking symptoms include trouble concentrating, memory lapses, and a slowed, foggy feeling that people often call brain fog. Sleep can be broken or unrefreshing, and mood can change, with irritability, anxiety, or low mood.
About the biology
Lasting symptoms after a concussion are thought to come from the first impact and from processes that continue after the injury. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are cells found in bone marrow and other tissues that are not blood-forming cells. In the body, they appear to act mainly by releasing signals that adjust the immune system. They don't turn into new nerve cells or replace brain tissue.
The brain's immune cells (microglia and astrocytes) can stay switched on long after an injury, which keeps nerve cells under stress. This immune dysregulation parallels inflammatory mechanisms described in Long COVID-associated cognitive impairment.
Refs. 2, 3Disruption of the blood–brain barrier and cerebral microvasculature impairs nutrient delivery, waste clearance, and neurovascular coupling, mechanisms now recognized in both post-traumatic and post-infectious neurological syndromes.
Refs. 4, 5Two studies in animals looked at repeated mild traumatic brain injury. In rats, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells given by IV reduced sensorimotor and cognitive impairments. In a rodent model, treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells reduced persistent cognitive deficits. These were studies in rats and other rodents using mesenchymal stromal cells. They were not studies in people, and they did not test this clinic's procedure.
Refs. 6, 7The full explanation of the mechanism is on our Brain & neurological conditions page.
What to expect
No donor cells, no culture expansion, no genetic modification, no manufactured cellular products.
Before the procedure, a consultation covers your medical history, imaging, and prior care. In one visit, we draw bone marrow from the back of the hip under local anesthesia, filter and minimally process it in our on-site lab, and give it back to you by IV and, in selected cases, through the nose. Afterward, we track your symptoms over time.
The full procedure is on our Brain & neurological conditions page.
Talking it through
We work out together, case by case, whether this makes sense for you. That usually takes a few visits, including a review of your imaging and, where relevant, a case conference.
Concussion, answered
It differs from person to person. Symptoms that continue for months are called persistent post-concussion symptoms, and approximately 15% to 30% of people with a history of concussion have them (ref 1).
Lasting symptoms are thought to come from the first impact and from processes that continue after the injury, such as ongoing inflammation in the brain and changes to the brain's small blood vessels. We start with your injury history, your symptoms, and any imaging, and go over them with you.
We take bone marrow from the back of the hip under local anesthesia and image guidance, filter and minimally process it in our on-site lab, and give it the same visit by IV and, in selected cases, through the nose. Before that, you have a consultation with a full medical history, imaging review, and case conference. Afterward, we track your symptoms over time.
No. Only autologous (patient-derived) cellular material is used. No donor cells are administered. No culture expansion, genetic modification, or manufacturing of cells occurs.
Yes. Boulder Biologics is at 4745 Arapahoe Ave, Suite 300, in Boulder, and we see patients from Denver, Fort Collins, and across the United States.
References
Safety
Autologous biologics reduce immune rejection risks seen with donor-derived products. Patients are screened carefully.
More on safety is in the safety section of our Brain & neurological conditions page.
We describe these treatments only as far as the published evidence goes.
Consistent with FDA guidance and current scientific consensus, we avoid claims that mesenchymal stromal cells differentiate into functional brain cells in vivo. Any potential benefit is described as paracrine signaling, immune modulation, and support for endogenous repair, consistent with the prevailing literature.
References to "stem cells" on this page reflect cellular populations contained within autologous bone marrow–derived biologic material, not manufactured or expanded stem cell products.
The FDA has raised particular concern regarding allogeneic (donor-derived) stem cell products, including umbilical cord, placental, and amniotic products, marketed outside of approved clinical trials.
At Boulder Biologics:
Participation is voluntary, and treatment is undertaken only after a comprehensive informed-consent process.
As with Long COVID-associated cognitive dysfunction, intranasal delivery is explored as a route to allow biologic signaling molecules to access the central nervous system via olfactory and trigeminal pathways.
Related
Schedule a call about lasting concussion symptoms
Our team will review your injury history, imaging, and current symptoms, and tell you honestly whether this approach fits your case or whether another path makes more sense.
720-550-6175