Life After Impact Podcast
Weekly episodes on concussion recovery, functional neurology, and rebuilding your life after brain injury. Hosted by Dr. Ayla Wolf.
Episodes
81 episodes — most recent first
Can Flying Make a Concussion Worse? Oxygen, Brain Injury, HBOT & Longevity Research with Dr. DeepSea | E80
FREE COPY of SHATTERED TO STRONG for veterans and active-duty military personnel. To request a copy, simply email info@ibum.org and include your branch of military service and how long you served. Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) help the brain recover after a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)? And is it safe to fly after a concussion? Dr. Joseph Dituri, better known as Dr. DeepSea,
How Many Concussions Are Too Many? Measuring the Cumulative Impact on the Brain with Dr. Joseph Maroon | E79
How many concussions are too many—and could we someday measure the cumulative effect of every hit to the head? Dr. Joseph Maroon, longtime team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a pioneer in concussion and traumatic brain injury research, joins Life After Impact to discuss multiple concussions, repetitive head impacts, subconcussive exposure, CTE, and the future of concussion testing.
Brain Injury Recovery at Home: Making Everyday Life Part of Rehabilitation | E78
Brain injury and concussion recovery don't happen only in a rehabilitation clinic—they happen at home, at work, in the grocery store, in the kitchen, and in the hundreds of everyday tasks that can suddenly become harder after a traumatic brain injury. In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I talk with cognitive-motor neuroscientist and neurological occupational the
Why Your Eyes Still Hurt After a Concussion with Dr. Melissa Biscardi | E77
Your eyes can be the bottleneck in concussion recovery, and they can also be the missing piece when someone still has headaches years later despite doing “all the right things.” We sit down with Dr. Melissa Biscardi to unpack her PhD work on eye movements and concussion, including a virtual reality (VR) eye training intervention that adapts week by week based on how each person performs and what s
Can We Measure Concussion Recovery? Brain Vital Signs, NeuroCatch & Neuroplasticity with Dr. Ryan D'Arcy | E76
What if we could objectively measure how the brain is functioning after a concussion—in just six minutes? Concussion and post-concussion syndrome can affect attention, cognitive processing, reaction time, and brain function even when conventional imaging does not provide the answers patients are looking for. In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, Dr. Ayla Wolf talks
When Brain Injury Changes Who You Are: Grief, Identity & Finding Purpose Again | E75
A brain injury can change far more than memory, balance, headaches, or cognition. It can change your career, your relationships, your independence—and sometimes your entire sense of who you are. In this episode of Life After Impact, I sit down with Jamie Arber, a licensed professional counselor, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, brain injury survivor, and Executive Director of the Supported Livin
The Sensitive Nervous System: Rethinking How We Treat Complex Patients with Dr. David Traster | E74
Have we become so focused on what a treatment can do that we've stopped asking who it should—and shouldn't—be used on? Why do some people seem to tolerate almost anything, while others react strongly to medications, supplements, foods, sensory stimulation, exercise—or even therapies intended to help them? In this episode of Life After Impact, I sit down with Dr. David Traster to explore the sensit
DTI: A New Era in Concussion Diagnostics with Dr. Rebecca Romero | E73
Can diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) detect brain changes after a concussion when a standard MRI or CT scan is normal? In this episode of Life After Impact, I sit down with board-certified neurologist Dr. Rebecca Romero to explore how DTI is moving from the world of concussion and traumatic brain injury research into clinical practice. Dr. Romero explains how DTI brain imaging can evaluate microscop
Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Neurology Provider’s 2-Year Road Back | E72
Why do some concussion symptoms last for months—or even years—and what can you do when your recovery seems to plateau? In this episode of Life After Impact, I sit down with neurology nurse practitioner and traumatic brain injury specialist Mandi Swanson, who spent nearly two years recovering from her own TBI after a motor vehicle accident. Mandi went from running half-marathons and practicing neur
Concussion and Loss of Smell: Why This Sense Matters More Than You Think | E71
Loss of smell after concussion may be more important than most people realize. Changes in smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch can occur after concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet sensory loss—especially olfactory dysfunction—is often overlooked during concussion evaluation and recovery. In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Michael L
A Functional Neurology Perspective on the Concept of Stored Trauma with Dr. Matthew Tolstoy (Part 2) | E70
Can attachment theory influence concussion recovery, chronic pain, dysautonomia, and the success of rehabilitation? In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with psychologist, somatic therapist, and Chinese medicine practitioner Dr. Matthew Tolstoy to explore how unconscious nervous system patterns shape the therapeutic relationship, why The Body Keeps the Score is often misundersto
The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following The Thread - A New Audiobook by Ayla Wolf
A concussion can turn normal life into a maze overnight and the hardest part is realizing nobody can hand you a perfect map out. I share why I wrote The Art Of Concussion Recovery: Following The Thread after first writing a more science-focused guide. The clinical side helps you understand what’s happening inside the brain, but the lived experience raises different questions about identity, lang
How Early Attachment Shapes Dysautonomia And Stress Responses with Dr. Matthew Tolstoy (Part 1) | E69
Can early childhood experiences influence concussion recovery, dysautonomia, anxiety, and the autonomic nervous system? In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with integrative therapist Dr. Matthew Tolstoy to explore the fascinating connection between attachment theory, autonomic regulation, post-concussion syndrome, and brain injury recovery. They examine how our earliest
Calm Your Brain After Concussion with Dr. Sanjay Manchanda | E68
Brain fog. Poor concentration. Anxiety. Memory problems. Why do some people recover quickly after a concussion while others continue to struggle with persistent symptoms months—or even years—after a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with neuroscientist, psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and NeuroMatrix founder Dr. Sanjay Manchanda to exp
Brain Fog, Poor Sleep & Fight-or-Flight After Concussion: Can BrainTap Help? | E67
How do you calm a brain that feels stuck in survival mode? For many people recovering from a concussion, the injury isn't just about headaches or dizziness. It's the feeling that your nervous system is constantly "on"—poor sleep, brain fog, anxiety, sensory overload, and the inability to truly relax. In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with Dr. Patrick Porter, founder of
The Hidden Brain Changes After Concussion (And How to Measure Them) with Jack Fonderwhite | E66
If concussion left you with brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, or a lingering sense that something is “off,” an EEG may reveal the brain changes your normal scans missed. Dr. Ayla Wolf talks with acupuncturist and concussion specialist Jack Fonderwhite about using EEG, eye tracking, and electroacupuncture to measure and improve brain function after head injury. Jack shares his own unexpected concuss
Concussions and Hidden Anterior Neck Pathology with Dr. John McClaren | E65
Persistent dizziness, headaches, and dysautonomia after a concussion may be coming from your neck — not just your brain. Dr. Ayla Wolf and Dr. John McClaren explore how deep neck muscle dysfunction, breathing mechanics, and the vagus nerve drive stubborn post-concussion symptoms. Together, they explore why so many people experience dizziness when bending over, standing up, or looking overhead—and
Nasal Release Technique for Post-Concussion Headaches, Brain Fog, and Sleep | E64
Waking up exhausted after a concussion can feel like betrayal: you “slept,” but the brain fog, head pressure, and headaches show up anyway. I sit down with physical therapist and nasal release technique instructor Cynthia Stein to explore a different lens on post-concussion syndrome, one that connects airway restriction, cranial sutures, and eye movement limitations to the symptoms that refuse to
Clear Mind After Concussion: Recovery, Neuroplasticity, and the Search for What Works with Jordan Jay Adams (Part 2) | E63
In Part 2 of my conversation with Jordan J. Adams, founder of the United Fight Alliance and longtime combat sports commentator, we move beyond the problem of concussion and into the search for solutions. After experiencing multiple concussions, a family history of Alzheimer's disease, and growing concerns about his own cognitive health, Jordan began what he describes as a mission to "save his brai
Fighters Are Still Falling Through the Cracks After Concussion - With Jordan Jay Adams (Part 1) | E62
Combat sports make brain injury impossible to ignore, but the most dangerous part might be what happens after everyone goes home. We’re joined by Jordan J. Adams, founder and CEO of United Fight Alliance and an Emmy Award-winning combat sports commentator, to talk about concussions, post-concussion syndrome and the real gaps he still sees in concussion protocols across athletics. We dig into the
Functional Neurology Explains Why Concussion Symptoms Spiral with Dr. Matt Antonucci | E61
For decades, patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms have been told that their imaging is normal, their brain has healed, and there is nothing more that can be done. But what if we've been asking the wrong questions? In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with functional neurologist Dr. Matt Antonucci to discuss his groundbreaking new paper published in Frontiers i
The Hidden Imprints of Trauma in the Body and Nervous System | E60
What if healing isn’t just physical? In this deeply thought-provoking episode, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with somatic practitioner and Inner Space Technique regression therapist Bre Hibbs to explore the fascinating relationship between trauma, the nervous system, body memory, and healing beyond the physical body. Together, they discuss the idea that our bodies may store not only physical trauma, but
The Right Kind of Fuel for Daytime Energy and Masterful Sleep with Dr. Ashkan Jalili | E59
Brain fog, mood swings, dizziness, sleep problems, carb cravings, that awful midday crash. If you’ve lived through concussion recovery or post-concussion syndrome, you know how quickly symptoms can become a full-time job. We sit down with Dr. Ashkan Jalili to make a different kind of case: many stubborn concussion symptoms track back to a metabolic dysfunction, especially dysregulated glucose deli
Measuring Brain Blood Flow and CO2 in Real Time—Why This Changes Concussion Recovery with Dr. Nate Keiser (Part 2) | E58
Your autonomic nervous system isn’t “just stressed,” and dysautonomia isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all box. We zoom out from symptom labels and zoom in on mechanisms: how the brain senses the body, builds an internal map, and then uses that map to regulate heart rate, blood flow, digestion, sweating, temperature, and even hormone feedback loops. We talk neurocardiology in plain language, includi
Measuring Brain Blood Flow and CO2 in Real Time—Why This Changes Concussion Recovery with Dr. Nate Keiser (Part 1) | E57
What if the missing piece in concussion recovery isn’t just the brain—but blood flow to the brain? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nate Keiser to explore how real-time measurement of brain blood flow is changing the way we understand persistent post-concussion symptoms, dysautonomia, and neurological recovery. Using advanced tools like transcranial Doppler ultrasound and CO₂ monitoring, we br
A Path to the First FDA Drug for Concussion? How Ghrelin Could Change Brain Injury Recovery with Dr. Vishal Bansal | E56
In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I sit down with trauma surgeon and researcher Dr. Vishal Bansal to explore what may become the first-ever FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatment for concussion. Despite how common concussions are, there is currently no approved medical treatment—leaving patients with rest, symptom management, and uncertainty. But what if that’s
Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, & Hyperacusis: Treat Your Hearing, Protect Your Brain with Dr. Keith Darrow | E55
A “mild” hearing loss sounds harmless until you hear the data: it can raise the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by 200%. I sit down with Dr. Keith Darrow PhD, CCC-A, neuroscientist and clinical audiologist, to connect the dots between hearing loss and brain health and to explain why treating hearing loss shows up again and again as a top modifiable dementia risk factor in major research rev
Why Pain Doesn’t Always Match the Injury | Chronic Pain & Concussion Explained | E54
Pain isn’t a simple “damage equals symptoms” equation. Sometimes your nervous system turns the volume down so far you barely notice serious wear and tear, and other times it turns the volume up until every small sensation feels like an alarm. That difference matters if you’re living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or persistent symptoms after a concussion, because the right treatment depends on h
When Concussion Symptoms Don’t End After Two Weeks | E53
A concussion can change your life in a second, but what happens when the people around you treat it like an excuse? Sarah Wuebbolt joins us to share what it’s really like navigating multiple concussions as a teenager while trying to keep up with school, sports, friendships, and the pressure to “be fine” on a timeline that doesn’t match reality. We talk about the first concussion that came with ol
From TBI to The River Why to Empathic AI: Cameron Scott's Epic Journey | E52
A childhood head-on collision. A life shaped by traumatic brain injury. A moment of waking up after a suicide attempt and deciding, with total clarity, to choose life. Cameron Scott joins me for a raw, grounded conversation about what concussion recovery can really look like when the symptoms are not just physical, but emotional, relational, and spiritual too. (This conversation includes reference
The Hidden Habits That Can Speed Up — or Sabotage — Brain Recovery with Alex Lombardi | E51
Your brain doesn’t heal on your appointment schedule. It heals in the messy middle of real life, the mornings where you can’t think straight, the afternoons where your energy falls off a cliff, and the nights when you wonder if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. I sit down with Alex Lombardi, founder of The Brain Edit, to talk about lifestyle-based concussion recovery and post-concussion syndr
Fueling A Healing Brain with Natalie Gavi | E50
We talk with registered dietitian Natalie Gavi about how to use simple, evidence-led nutrition to support concussion recovery and long-term brain health. We trade myths for practical steps, from Mediterranean staples to smart supplements and steady meal timing. • the acute energy mismatch after concussion and what to eat first • practical meals when appetite is low • mediterranean and MIND diet f
Ibogaine For Brain Injury Recovery with Navy Veteran Lorna Sturchio | E49
I sit down with Navy veteran and transformational trauma coach Lorna Sturchio to unpack how medically supervised ibogaine can catalyze rapid change for PTSD, addiction, and traumatic brain injury. Lorna’s story moves from combat trauma and MST to overprescription and crisis, then into carefully prepared plant medicine work that helped her taper off meds, restore sleep, and rebuild a future. Togeth
Breathwork After Concussion: How 5 Minutes of Breathing Can Calm Your Nervous System | E48
What if five minutes of the right breathing could calm a racing heart, clear morning fog, and steady your balance after a concussion? Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with chiropractic neurologist Dr. Jonathan Chung to unpack the science and the how-to of using breath as a lever for healing. We dig into why the brainstem’s respiratory centers are vulnerable in acceleration-deceleration injuries like concus
The Path Back To Work After a Concussion with Nate Pope (Part 2) | E47
This is Part 2 of my conversation with Nate Pope from NCX Brain Recovery. Recovery stalls when life gets smaller. We’ve all seen it: light hurts, noise overwhelms, screens drain, so routines narrow and the brain doubles down on workarounds. We open up a different route—structured, supportive challenges that reengage vision, balance, attention, and memory together. Instead of chasing one symptom at
The Path Back To Work After a Concussion with Nate Pope (Part 1) | E46
Your brain isn’t broken; it’s rerouting. We sit down with neuro‑occupational therapist Nate Pope to unpack why so many people with post‑concussion syndrome get stuck despite doing “all the right therapies.” Nate explains how functional MRI reveals a network problem—under-fueled pathways and overworked compensations—and why isolated sessions can accidentally train the detours instead of restoring e
How the Love Your Brain Foundation Turns Isolation Into Community For TBI Survivors And Caregivers | E45
What if the most powerful medicine after a brain injury is feeling truly seen? We sit down with Kyla Pearce, Senior Director of Programs and Research at the Love Your Brain foundation, to explore how connection, mind‑body practices, and practical education can restore confidence, calm, and everyday momentum for people with TBI and their caregivers. Kyla shares the story behind the foundation, lau
Parties, Noise, and Family Gatherings After a Concussion: A Survival Guide (Part 2) | E44
We share practical ways to enjoy the holidays while protecting a healing brain, focusing on blood sugar, hydration, sleep, and realistic boundaries. We reframe FOMO, practice gentle resets, and stack small wins so recovery feels doable and meaningful. • stabilizing blood sugar with planned meals and snacks • hydration strategies with minerals and travel tips • pre-event resets, breathing, and tra
Sensory Overload at Social Events: Getting Through Gatherings After Concussion (Part1) | E43
Holidays can feel like a sensory obstacle course when you’re healing from a concussion or navigating post-concussion syndrome. We unpack a clear, compassionate plan to trade overwhelm for ease—without opting out of the moments that matter. With returning guest Chaandani Khan, we explore how to choose fewer, more meaningful events, set time limits that prevent crashes, and skip the infamous "Minnes
From Sidelines To Success: Concussion Rehab That Reduces Reinjury Risk | E42
A faster return isn’t always a safer one. We sit down with physiotherapist Kosta Ikonomou to unpack why musculoskeletal injuries spike two to three times after a concussion and how to build a recovery plan that restores performance, not just symptom reduction. From elite level athletes to everyday patients navigating concussion rehab, Kosta shares hard-earned lessons on testing, training, and the
Dr. Adam Harcourt Explains Why Migraine Treatments Fail After Head Injury | E41
If “migraine” meds aren’t touching your headaches after a concussion, you might be chasing the wrong problem. Dr. Wolf sits down with Dr. Adam Harcourt, a board-certified functional neurologist and fourth-generation chiropractor, to unpack why post-traumatic headaches so often get mislabeled as migraine—and how objective neuro exams flip the outcome. From eye movement control and gaze stabilizatio
Seeing the Unseen: How Vestibular Rehab Can Transform Your Recovery w/ Dr. Helena Esmonde (Vestibular First) | E40
Do you still feel dizzy, off-balance, or disoriented months—or even years—after your concussion? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with Dr. Helena Esmonde, founder of Vestibular First and creator of the innovative infrared goggles that are changing how clinicians diagnose and treat vestibular disorders. Together, they uncover what your eye movements can reveal about
Transformation is the Therapy: Rewriting Life After Concussion with Kevin Donahue | E39
A motorcycle crash in Ecuador set off a chain reaction Kevin Donahue couldn’t name at first: anger out of nowhere, brain fog, exhaustion, and a life that stopped making sense. When a friend connected the dots to concussion, everything changed—awareness unlocked a roadmap to real recovery. We explore how Kevin turned survival into transformation with several practical pillars: awareness, listening
Neck Strength: The Missing Piece in Concussion with Dr. Theo Versteegh | E38
What if the fastest path to fewer concussions and better performance starts with how we train the neck? We sit down with physiotherapist, inventor, and researcher Dr. Theo Versteegh to unpack a novel training device that targets rapid, eccentric stabilization—the exact kind of control impact sports demand. Instead of slow, single-plane moves, his device builds rate of force development in rotation
The Body Keeps the Score—of Concussions: How the Nervous System Reveals Hidden Trauma | E37
Think your “sinus headache,” tight hamstring, or random insomnia is unrelated to your head? We trace surprising symptom chains back to the nervous system and show how hidden concussions often sit at the center of stubborn pain, sleep issues, tinnitus, and gut flare‑ups. With returning guest Dr. Clayton Shiu, we unpack real cases where elbow or knee pain turned out to be brain-driven—and why delaye
The Gut-Brain Connection After Concussion with Sarah Turner | E36
What if the missing element in your health isn't another supplement or diet change, but something as fundamental as light? In this illuminating conversation, Sarah Turner reveals how our modern indoor lifestyle has created a profound deficiency in specific wavelengths of light that our bodies evolved to require. Turner, founder of CeraThrive and creator of an innovative red light therapy device,
Gut Feelings: How Concussions Affect Your Digestion | E35
Have you ever wondered why your digestion seems to have gone haywire after a concussion? You're not alone, and there's a neurological explanation behind those new food sensitivities and stomach troubles. The brain-gut connection is far more profound than most of us realize. Through the vagus nerve—a critical communication pathway—your brain and digestive system maintain constant dialogue. When a
New Frontiers in Concussion Research with Dr. Ioannis Mavroudis | E34
The quest to understand persistent brain symptoms after concussion has puzzled doctors and researchers for decades. What happens when the brain doesn't heal as expected? Why do some patients develop long-term problems while others recover completely? Dr. Mavroudis, consultant neurologist and pioneering researcher, pulls back the curtain on these mysteries by revealing surprising connections betwe
Home Concussion Rehab: Exercises You Can Do From Your Phone - Melissa Biscardi | E33
The nervous system after concussion often remains stuck in fight-or-flight, making traditional rehabilitation challenging at best. Melissa Biscardi, an osteopathic therapist, registered nurse, and PhD candidate, reveals why gentle manual therapy creates a critical foundation for healing visual dysfunction after brain injury. Drawing from over a decade of clinical experience, Biscardi explains how
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Brain Injuries with Dr. DeepSea - Dr. Joe Dituri | E32
What happens when a decorated Navy commander and world-record holder for living underwater becomes a traumatic brain injury patient himself? Dr. Joe Dituri's extraordinary journey from elite military diver to pioneering hyperbaric medicine researcher offers groundbreaking insights into brain injury recovery that challenge everything we thought we knew. Having spent 100 days living at pressure ben
The Hierarchy of Healing: Understanding Complex Neurological Recovery with Dr. Matt Antonucci | E31
Contact Dr. Antonucci: Website Dr. Antonucci's Neurobytes Blog - (totally worth reading in IMO) Eliminate your hiccoughs in seconds! Blog post as promised :) Carrick Institute Show Description: Ever wonder why your concussion symptoms persist despite seeing multiple specialists and undergoing countless tests? In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Matthew Antonucci reveals the systematic approa
Sound Sensitivity After Concussion: Hyperacusis and Its Hidden Causes - Dr. Glen Zielinski | E30
Dr. Glen Zielinski from Northwest Functional Neurology explores commonly missed vestibular lesions that can develop after head impacts, focusing on Superior Canal Dehiscence (SCD) as a frequently overlooked cause of debilitating hyperacusis and other post-concussion symptoms. He shares diagnostic insights including a simple tuning fork test that can identify potential SCD cases. • SCD creates a r
Advanced TMS for Concussion and Brain Dysfunction with Dr. Glen Zielinski | E29
Dr. Glen Zielinski from Northwest Functional Neurology in Lake Oswego, OR, joins us to talk about how he’s using cutting-edge, image-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technology to treat more than just depression. With neuro-navigated TMS, he's able to target specific brain regions with millimeter precision—and he's not stopping there. Dr. Zielinski walks us through how he customizes
Vertigo After Concussion: Recognizing and Fixing BPPV | E28
Navigating the complex world of inner ear disorders, Dr. Ayla Wolf and Sophia Bouwens discuss the mechanics and causes of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and what contributes to re-occurring BPPV. • Difference between true vertigo and general dizziness • How the semicircular canals and otolithic organs in our inner ear detect all head movements • Infrared goggles essential for accura
Neuroplasticity in Action: Dr. Brody Miller’s Journey from TBI to PhD | E27
Dr. Brody Miller, PhD, is a 2x best selling, author, researcher, speaker, and pioneer in brain health recovery. Having recovered from severe brain trauma, drug and epileptic seizures, he created a unique, and holistic approach, called the REBOUND method (TM) with his Mind Gym Starter Course. He focuses on helping high-level, heart led, athletes and leaders from all around the world overcome brain
Resetting Your Brain: How Cereset Combats Post-Concussion Fatigue with Dr. Ala Lysyk | E26
Dr. Ayla Wolf interviews Dr. Ala Lysyk about Cereset technology, an innovative approach using acoustic feedback to help the brain reset itself after concussion or trauma. They discuss how this engineering-based technology creates a real-time acoustic mirror therapy that allows the brain to recognize and correct harmful patterns causing persistent fatigue and other symptoms. • Dr. Ala's journey fr
Beyond Tachycardia: The Misunderstood World of POTS | E25
Dr. Ayla Wolf and Sophia Bouwens dive deep into the complexities of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), explaining how this autonomic dysfunction manifests and why proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Wolf breaks down the different subtypes, testing methods, and treatment approaches while emphasizing the importance of looking beyond symptoms to find root causes.
The Forgotten 30%: Navigating Life with Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms | E24
Chaandani Khan's story begins with a life derailed. Six years ago, a car accident left this high-achieving event planner with a concussion that transformed her world overnight. The woman who once thrived on 70-hour work weeks, constant travel, and a packed social calendar suddenly couldn't make a sandwich or find matching shoes. The cognitive fog was so thick that even basic tasks became mountains
Cold Plunge, Ketones, and Creatine - Yay or Nay in Concussion Recovery with Dr. Mike T Nelson | E23
Dr. Mike Nelson explains how ketones and lactate can serve as alternative fuel sources for the brain after concussion when glucose metabolism becomes impaired. This metabolic insight opens new possibilities for recovery support and symptom management. • Concussions disrupt glucose metabolism in the brain but don't affect ketone and lactate pathways • Parasympathetic nervous system activation tech
Navigating Exercise Intolerance After Concussion with Dr. Mike T Nelson | E22
Dr. Mike Nelson shares his expertise on exercise intolerance after concussion, explaining that neurological limitations, not metabolic fatigue, are the primary barrier to resuming physical activity. The key difference is that your nervous system acts as a brake on performance, preventing your body from accessing its existing physical capabilities. • Exercise testing should be individualized, focu
More Than Meets the Eye: Troubleshooting Visual Symptoms After Concussion with Dr. Paul Brewer | E21
Dr. Brewer brings his expertise as a neuro-optometrist to explain how visual processing problems are often overlooked in concussion recovery despite causing significant symptoms. He shares insights on integrating visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems to create lasting improvements for patients with post-concussion syndrome. • 20/20 vision only measures clarity, not eye tracking or binocu
EMDR Adaptations for Brain Injuries with Dr. Michelle Morrissey | E20
Dr. Michelle Morrissey of the Morrissey Institute explains how she has adapted EMDR therapy to safely and effectively treat patients with concussions and brain injuries. She details the eight phases of EMDR treatment and shares her approach of clearing small traumas first to create capacity for healing bigger ones. • Dr. Morrissey has 20+ years of experience as a trauma-informed mental health pro
What Concussions Do to Women’s Hormones with Dr. Tatiana Habanova (Part 2) | E19
Dr. Ayla Wolf and Dr. Tatiana Habanova discuss the neuroendocrine changes post-concussion, particularly the impact on thyroid and adrenal function. Dr. Habanova explains that hypothyroidism often results from pituitary dysfunction rather than direct thyroid issues. She emphasizes the importance of assessing hormone levels immediately post-concussion or after a few weeks. They highlight the need fo
What Concussions Do to Women’s Hormones with Dr. Tatiana Habanova (Part 1) | E18
The hormonal ripple effects of concussions are often overlooked in recovery, creating frustrating plateaus for patients despite their best rehabilitation efforts. These hidden disruptions in the endocrine system can dramatically impact recovery and require a nuanced approach to care. • Dr. Tatiana Habanova brings together functional neurology and functional medicine to address post-concussion hor
When Life Changes in an Instant: A Father Shares His Son's Brain Injury Journey | E17
When Shane Swenson's car was struck by a drunk driver traveling 90mph in a 30mph zone one February morning in 2019, life as he knew it changed forever. His 12-year-old son Brady suffered a traumatic brain injury that would launch the family on an unexpected journey through emergency surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and a complete reimagining of their future. Shane vividly recalls the moment o
Why Traditional Balance Therapy Often Fails Concussion Patients with Natasha Wilch | E16
Natasha Wilch, physical therapist and concussion specialist, breaks down why traditional balance therapy often fails concussion patients and explains her approach to addressing persistent vestibular issues through a functional neurology lens. She shares insights from her five-day intensive treatment program and reveals the missing links that often prevent full recovery. • Dizziness after concussi
Untangling Dysautonomia: Beyond POTS and Vagal Nerve Hacks | E15
Dr. Ayla Wolf, DAOM, unpacks the complex nature of dysautonomia beyond the common POTS diagnosis, explaining how this autonomic nervous system dysfunction affects multiple body systems and presents differently in each individual. • The autonomic nervous system makes automatic adjustments for body functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion • Dysautonomia refers to dysfunction of these aut
Your Brain on Light: Red Light Therapy for Concussion | E14
Dr. Wilkerson walks us through the science of photobiomodulation. PBM can decrease inflammation, increase blood flow to treated areas, and improves cellular function by promoting energy production. • Photobiomodulation is the umbrella term for using light to change cellular function • Lasers work faster for pain relief, while LEDs are safer for home use • Red light therapy has been used in ve
Brain Fog and Memory Problems After Concussion: What Brain Mapping Reveals — Dr. Bagnell | E13
Dr. Bagnell shares his 30-year journey as a "health detective" in functional neurology, revealing how he helps patients with persistent cognitive symptoms after brain injury through careful investigation and targeted interventions. • Brain fog often stems from disrupted neurovascular coupling, where blood flow fails to properly supply active brain regions • Dysautonomia (autonomic nervous system
Autonomic Dysfunction After Brain Injury - An Interview with Dr. John McClaren - Part 2 | E12
Dr. John McLaren shares his functional neurology approach to treating autonomic dysfunction and concussions, exploring cutting-edge therapies and personalized rehabilitation strategies for complex brain injuries. • Detailed explanation of how jump rope training can improve neuroplasticity by synchronizing upper and lower body timing • Discussion of PEMF devices and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for i
Autonomic Dysfunction After Brain Injury - An Interview with Dr. John McClaren - Part 1 | E11
Dr. John McClaren shares his journey into specializing in brain injury rehabilitation and explains how autonomic nervous system dysfunction affects many TBI patients, often going undiagnosed despite causing significant symptoms. • Personal connection to TBI after his father's severe train accident which inspired his specialization • Conventional autonomic testing (QSART, tilt table) often has 6-m
Acupuncture for Concussion Recovery: Inside a Neuro-Acupuncture Clinic | E10
Dr. Clayton Shiu brings his expertise in treating brain injuries through a unique integration of traditional Chinese medicine and cutting-edge technology, creating remarkable results for patients with neurological conditions. • Specialized training at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin • Transitioned from sports medicine to neurology afte
Returning to Sport After a Concussion: An Elite Skater’s Recovery — Dr. Danielle Fleming | E9
Join us for a powerful conversation on the often-overlooked aspects of concussion recovery. Dr. Danielle Fleming shares her experiences navigating the athletic world while dealing with the long-term impacts of brain injuries. - Discussing how athletes often ignore symptoms - The emotional toll of balancing identity and health - Techniques that helped in recovery from concussions - Dr. Fleming
Unraveling Cervical Instability: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions | E8
In this episode Dr. Ayla Wolf dives deep into cervical instability, a condition that often gets overlooked but can have significant effects on daily life. Understanding its symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options can empower listeners to seek the help they need. • Explanation of cervical instability and its causes, highlighting four types of cervical instability • Discussion of th
Part 2 - Traumatic Neck Injuries and Concussions | E7
This episode emphasizes the intricate relationship between neck injuries and concussion recovery, exploring how sensory integration affects patient outcomes. Listeners learn about the importance of tailored therapies, effective communication among care providers, and the necessity of understanding each patient's unique presentation for optimal recovery. • Understanding the role of functional neur
Traumatic Neck Injuries and Concussions: Overlapping Symptoms | E6
This episode illuminates the significant connection between neck injuries and concussions, and the overlapping symptoms that can occur from either. We delve into various symptoms stemming from neck trauma, explore effective therapies, and highlight the importance of functional neurological assessments and integrative treatment approaches for enhanced recovery outcomes. • The relationship between
Post-Traumatic Headaches: The Research Behind 8 Fewer Headache Days a Month | E5
Our latest episode provides an inside look into a pilot study Sophia Bouwens and Ayla Wolf were both personally involved in on acupuncture's effect on post-traumatic headaches, revealing significant improvements for participants. We discuss the necessity of research-driven therapies, the importance of patient-provider communication, and future opportunities for tailored headache treatments. • In
Post-traumatic Headaches: A Form of Neuropathic Pain | E4
This episode explores the connections between post-traumatic headaches and neuropathic pain, providing insights into the neurological underpinnings that affect pain perception and treatment efficacy. We emphasize individualized approaches to treatment and highlight the importance of understanding the brain's role in experiencing and managing pain. • Understanding persistent post-traumatic headac
Migraines Versus Post-Traumatic Headaches: What is the Difference? | E3
This podcast dives deep into the complexities of post-traumatic headaches and migraines, exploring the differences in symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. Insights introduce listeners to medication overuse headaches and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and holistic approaches for recovery after a concussion. • Exploring common types of post-traumatic headaches • Migraines as
Overcoming Headache Challenges After a Concussion | E2
Post-traumatic headaches represent a multifaceted challenge for those recovering from concussions, often requiring careful diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. The episode delves into various headache types, the dangers of medication overuse headaches otherwise known as rebound headaches, and the interrelation between neck injuries and headache presentations, urging patients to communicate effe
Post-Concussion Syndrome: Seeing the Big Picture of Concussion Recovery | E1
Sophia Bouwens and Dr. Ayla Wolf DAOM discuss their new podcast, "Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast" focusing on concussions and brain injuries. Dr. Wolf shares information on her soon-to-be-published book, which includes a 48-question questionnaire to categorize symptoms into eight meaningful categories, such as post-traumatic headaches, cognitive symptoms, vestibular disorders,