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.

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• Exercise testing should be individualized, focusing on symptoms rather than rigid heart rate parameters
• Different exercise modalities (rowing, biking, walking) can produce dramatically different symptom thresholds
• Morning heart rate variability (HRV) measurements provide objective feedback on recovery and exercise tolerance
• Repeatedly pushing past symptom thresholds creates negative neurological associations that worsen exercise tolerance

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 binocular function
• Many post-concussion symptoms stem from poor integration between sensory systems
• Light sensitivity can come from multiple causes including dry eyes
• Cervical (neck) issues can cause visual problems and vice versa
• Too many sensory errors overwhelm the cerebellum, causing fatigue and emotional dysregulation
• Standard vision therapy exercises can worsen symptoms if they don't address the right problems
• Peripheral vision processing often becomes impaired after concussion

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.

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​• Dr. Morrissey has 20+ years of experience as a trauma-informed mental health professional specializing in EMDR therapy.
• Traditional EMDR with fast eye movements are not indicated for people with brain injuries, but there are ways to adapt the therapy.
• Adaptations include slowing bilateral stimulation to match brain oscillation speeds (0.75-1.5 Hz).
• Alternative forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation are safer than eye movements.

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 for regular re-evaluation of thyroid medication dosage as the brain heals. 

• New research shows even mild concussions can cause significant hormonal changes
• Pituitary dysfunction creates a downstream effect on thyroid, adrenal, and other systems
• Thyroid medication needs may change frequently during concussion recovery
• Thyroid symptoms often overlap with dysautonomia symptoms, complicating diagnosis
• Cortisol rhythm disruptions explain afternoon energy crashes in concussion patients
• Annual brain health assessments should become as routine as dental checkups
• People with mild cognitive changes often "shrink their world" without realizing it
• Cognitive testing isn't about measuring intelligence but identifying functional changes
• Tracking symptoms and biomarkers empowers patients in their recovery journey
• Addressing toxins and environmental factors that burden the endocrine system is essential

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 hormone disruption
• The hypothalamus is the only location in the brain where immune, hormonal and neurological systems all interconnect
• Many concussion symptoms closely mirror hormone imbalance symptoms, making proper testing crucial
• Comprehensive testing, DUTCH tests and other important labs 
• Tracking thyroid function, iron status (particularly ferritin), B12 and inflammatory markers 
• Combining functional medicine with functional neurology addresses both neurological pathways and resulting hormonal imbalances

Join us next week for part two of this important conversation where we'll dive deeper into specific treatment approaches and protocols.

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.

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​This experience inspired the family to create the Brady Finn Foundation, which hosts the annual Lucky Brady Swenson Lucky 13 Golf Tournament (named for Brady's favorite number). The foundation supports Sacred Heart Catholic School and Crescent Cove, a rare respite facility that provides the family with crucial breaks from Brady's round-the-clock care. Though Brady remains in a wheelchair, unable to walk or speak, his story has become a powerful catalyst for giving back to the community that carried them through crisis.

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 concussion isn't always a spinning sensation, but rather feeling unsteady, dissociated, or bothered by everyday movements
• The otolithic system is frequently overlooked in vestibular assessment yet crucial for sensing linear movement and gravity
• Simply practicing difficult balance positions doesn't address why balance is compromised in the first place
• VOR (vestibular-ocular reflex) exercises may be inappropriate without first stabilizing eye movements and addressing asymmetries
• Balance requires proper integration of visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems

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.

• Common misconception that dysautonomia always means too much sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity
• Symptoms can include cardiovascular issues like racing heart, increased heart awareness, and lightheadedness
• Digestive symptoms often include nausea, GI discomfort, and food sensitivities
• Respiratory, temperature regulation, cognitive function, and immune function can all be affected
• POTS is just one specific form of dysautonomia with clear diagnostic criteria
• Testing for dysautonomia includes pupil response tests, Valsalva maneuver evaluation, and sustained handgrip testing
• Dysautonomia can be primary, secondary (after concussion, surgery or viral illness), or co-exist with other conditions
• Proper assessment requires comprehensive testing rather than symptom-based treatment
• Vagal nerve stimulation is not a universal solution and may not help all forms of dysautonomia

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 veterinary medicine since the 1970s
• Transcranial photobiomodulation devices like VieLight use different pulse frequencies to target specific brain states
• The gamma setting (40Hz) improves cognitive function and focus
• The alpha setting (10Hz) promotes relaxation and healing
• Device quality and specifications matter – therapeutic benefits depend on proper wavelength, power, and design

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 dysfunction) can create cognitive symptoms by limiting blood flow to the brain when needed
• QEEG brain mapping identifies specific patterns of brainwave dysfunction, showing signatures of "too much delta and too much high beta" in concussions
• The brain functions in interconnected networks rather than isolated regions, requiring comprehensive assessment
• Combining "passive" therapies (neurofeedback, audiovisual entrainment) with "active" functional neurology exercises creates optimal recovery
• Spatial awareness problems after concussion explain why patients frequently bump their heads
• Brain activation can naturally restore neurotransmitter production without medication
• Creating a personalized "brain formula" for each patient yields better results than one-size-fits-all approaches
• Dolphin-assisted therapy provides unique neurological benefits through echolocation and movement patterns
 

Connect with Dr. Bagnell:

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

The Neuro Collective Podcast 

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 improving vasomotion and blood flow to the brain
• Examination of heat intolerance as a manifestation of autonomic dysfunction due to impaired sweating response
• Exploration of the five-minute sustained hand grip test to measure sympathetic nervous system function
• Implementing gradual, individualized return-to-activity protocols with 20% reductions when symptoms appear
• Insights on how Long COVID can create setbacks by further disrupting autonomic nervous system function
• Techniques for using fine motor activities to stimulate cerebellar activation without overwhelming the system

Dr. McClaren can be found at: Advanced Chiropractic & Neurology in Omaha Nebraska

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.

• Simple bedside assessments can reveal autonomic dysfunction without lengthy waits
• Pupillary light reflex testing using smartphone apps provides millisecond-precision measurements
• Blood pressure differences between sides and positions offer valuable diagnostic information
• Heart examination with position changes can detect subtle autonomic abnormalities
• White matter connections between brain regions drive proper autonomic function
• Current focus on vagus nerve may miss the bigger picture of central autonomic network dysfunction
• New imaging techniques like DTI now allowing visualization of damaged neural connections

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Dr. John McClaren can be contacted at Advanced Chiropractic& Neurology in Omaha Nebraska

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 after recognizing growing trends in neurological disorders
• Uses careful observation and palpation to identify often-missed signs of brain injury
• Implements quantitative EEG (QEEG) to measure brain activity and track treatment progress
• Incorporates advanced red light therapy through the RegenPod to enhance mitochondrial function
• Developing Tai Chi programs that function as vestibular rehabilitation

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's current work as a chiropractor, helping people with concussions, mold, and parasites.
- The importance of finding specialized care 
- Broadening awareness about brain health for athletes 

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 the wide range of symptoms associated with cervical instability, including neurological effects 
• Overview of diagnostic testing processes, including advanced imaging techniques 
• Examination of treatment options, including physical therapy, prolotherapy and platelet injections
• Emphasis on the importance of neck strengthening and postural awareness 

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 neurology in treatment 
• Importance of sensory integration and balance in recovery 
• Where do neck strengthening exercises fit in
• Forward head posture and its implications for patients 
• Exploring functional tests for assessment of symptoms 
• Case study illustrating the connection between cervical dysfunction and dysautonomia 

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 neck injuries and concussion symptoms 
• Equipping listeners with knowledge about cervicogenic dizziness 
• Importance of specialized therapies for neck and brain recovery 
• The link between neck trauma and vision disturbances 
• The need for comprehensive eye movement evaluations 
• The role of integrated therapeutic approaches in recovery

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. 

• Overview of the pilot study investigating acupuncture for post-traumatic headaches
• Examination of study results and satisfaction levels 
• Discussion of treatment frequency and patient experiences 
• Call for expanded research and individualized treatment approaches 
• Conclusion linking acupuncture research to real-world applications

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 headaches
• Exploring neuropathic pain in relation to concussions
• The brain's role in interpreting pain signals
• Hallmarks of neuropathic pain: allodynia and hyperalgesia
• Effects of acupuncture and cognitive therapies on recovery
• Neuroplasticity and its impact on pain perception
• Insights from case studies on acupuncture effectiveness
• The evolving landscape of pain management strategies and research advancements

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 a risk factor for poor outcomes
• Defining migraines and associated symptoms
• Migraine "triggers"
• Understanding the neurological basis of migraines
• Examining the interplay of hormones and diet
• Discussing medication overuse headaches and their impact
• Emphasizing the value of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment
• Discussing alternative therapies and lifestyle modifications
• Encouraging patients to advocate for appropriate care

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 effectively with their healthcare providers.
 
• Discussion on cervicogenic versus tension-type headaches
• Importance of glymphatic system in headache management
• The role of hydration in nurturing brain health
• Misconnections between migraines and post-traumatic headaches
• Practical tools for improved communication with healthcare providers

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, and visual or oculomotor dysfunction. They emphasize the importance of comprehensive testing and individualized treatment plans. Sophia discusses how her background in neuroscience and acupuncture helped improve outcomes with her own brain injury recovery.  Dr. Wolf describes her experiencing with multiple sports-related concussions and current work with patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome. 

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​Future episodes will delve into specific topics like post-traumatic headaches, traumatic neck injuries, cognitive symptoms, vision and eye movement disorders, sleep disorders, mood and personality changes, autonomic dysfunction, neuro-inflammation, dizziness, vertigo and balance issues.