Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast

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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, launched after pro snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s traumatic brain injury, and the gap they set out to close: the lonely, confusing stretch after acute care. We unpack how free...

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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 transition time
• scouting quiet zones and setting exit plans
• honoring sleep schedules over social pressure
• scripts for showing up differently and saying no
• mindset shifts away from FOMO toward self-re...

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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 "Minnesota goodbye" by aligning expectations with your host. You’ll get practical boundary scripts that don’t feel awkward, plus mindset shifts that protect identity and fuel progress.

We go deep...

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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 psychology of change.

Kosta is a clinical specialist physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in sports medicine and concussion. He has worked in acute neuro hospitals and specialized co...

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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 stabilization to neck proprioception and autonomic integrity, Dr. Harcourt explains the tests that reveal brainstem dysfunction you can actually measure rather than guess. 
 
You’ll hear a powerful case: a 10-year-old with “intractable migraine” that...

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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 your inner-ear and brain connection, why symptoms alone rarely tell the full story, and how new diagnostic tools are helping patien...

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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 to his body, sharing honestly to open the doors for helpful people, eating for brain healing, prioritizing rest, creating meaningful goals, and serving others. He details the therapies that move...

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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 rotational and multiplanar directions, then tracks progress with clear metrics. The results are hard to ignore: multiple teams across genders report zero head and neck injury seasons after adoption, and many go on...

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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 delayed symptoms after a fall or car crash are more physiology than mystery.

We walk through the moment-to-moment clues that shift a diagnosis: eyes that won’t tr...

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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, explains the fascinating science behind photobiomodulation – how red and near-infrared light penetrate human tissue to activate cellular healing mechanisms. Her journey from pharmaceutical research to developing light therapy technology highlights a...

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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 concussion disrupts this delicate system, the consequences ripple throughout your entire digestive process. Your vagal nerve signaling weakens, stomach acid production falters, and gut motility becomes irregular. What's particularly fascinating is h...

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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 between post-concussion syndrome, functional neurological disorders, and even long COVID. At the heart of his research is a revolutionary perspective: these seemingly different conditions share fundamental mechanisms related to neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to adapt and form ne...

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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 cranial work can release tension patterns affecting the extraocular muscles and create a parasympathetic shift that prepares the brain for more active rehabilitation. She shares fascinating insights into the subtle nuances of visual dysfunction that standard assessments often...

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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 beneath the ocean's surface for Project Neptune 100, Dr. Dituri was already studying the effects of hyperbaric conditions on human physiology. Then life delivered a devastating blow – a car accident that left him with a severe TBI, unable to...

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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 approach that's transformed the lives of thousands of patients with complex neurological conditions.

Dr. Antonucci approaches each patient like a d...

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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 resonant cavity near hearing apparatus when the thin bone covering semicircular canals is damaged
• Simple tuning fork test on the knee can identify SCD when patients hear rather than just feel the vibration
• Proper diagno...

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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 every treatment using detailed neurodiagnostic testing, identifying exactly where and why the brain isn't functioning properly. Instead of using generic protocols, he fine-tunes TMS treatment plans based on individual brain mapping.

We...

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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 accurate BPPV diagnosis 
• Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and B vitamin deficiencies linked to recurring BPPV
• Thyroid disorders, hormonal fluctuations, and certain antibiotics can trigger vestibular problems
• COVID infections associated with increased...

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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 injuries so that they can get back to their life's mission.

The invisible nature of brain injuries creates a unique kind of suffering. When Dr. Brody Miller was...

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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 from chiropractor to functional neurologist after being inspired by Dr. Carrick's paradigm-shifting approach
• How persistent post-concussion fatigue led Dr. Ala to search for better solutions for her patients
• The development of Cereset by Lee...

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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.

• Different subtypes include hyperadrenergic POTS, hypovolemic POTS, and POTS with mast cell activation
• Approximately 70% of POTS cases occur in females between ages 15-45
• Many POTS patients have interoception issues, feeling disconnected from bodily...

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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 to climb.

What unfolds in this raw, vulnerable conversation is a journey through the challenging landscape of persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS). Chaandani shares how she navigated years...

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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 techniques help balance autonomic disruption after brain injury
• Breathing with longer exhales, wide-gaze relaxation, and gentle walking promote parasympathetic tone
• Cold water therapy can be beneficial but should start "warm" (55-60°F) and focus on time o...

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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, 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
•...

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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...

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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 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 slowin...

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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. Dr. Habanova also advocates for annual brain health assessments to monitor cognitive function and overall brain health, stressing the importance of early intervention and comprehensive neurological evaluations.

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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
• Recent research from 2023-2025 provides clearer evidence of specific hormonal disruptions following concussion
• Many concussion symptoms closely mirror h...

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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 of impact—feeling "like an explosion" that momentarily paralyzed him before he turned to find Brady unconscious. What followed was a parent's worst nightmare: emergency craniectomies to relieve da...

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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 positi...

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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 automatic processes, affecting multiple body systems
• 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 na...

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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...

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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
•...

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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
• Im...

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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-month waiting lists, delaying treatment
• Autonomic nervous system functioning requires responsiveness - like a high-performance sports car - needing both acceleration and braking capabilities
• Simple bedside assessments can reveal autonomic dysfunction without lengthy waits
• Pupillary light refl...

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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 th...

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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 
Duration: 00:42:59

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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<...

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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 
• Dangers of poor communication amongst therapis...

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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...

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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. 

• Introduction to Life After Impact podcast 
• 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 appr...

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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
• Importance of individualized treatment approaches
• Effects of acupuncture and cognitive therapies on recovery
• Neuroplasticity and its impact on pain...

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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...

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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...

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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 s...