Life After Impact Podcast
Weekly episodes on concussion recovery, functional neurology, and rebuilding your life after brain injury. Hosted by Dr. Ayla Wolf.
Episodes
8 episodes tagged "Headaches"
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
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
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
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
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