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 activati...
Jul 08, 2025•46 min•Ep. 25
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 la...
Jun 30, 2025•56 min•Ep. 24
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-gaz...
Jun 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 23
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, bik...
Jun 16, 2025•54 min•Ep. 22
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 • Lig...
Jun 09, 2025•58 min•Ep. 21
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 ...
Jun 02, 2025•59 min•Ep. 20
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...
May 27, 2025•39 min•Ep. 19
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 neuro...
May 19, 2025•38 min•Ep. 18
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 un...
May 13, 2025•38 min•Ep. 17
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 everyd...
May 05, 2025•54 min•Ep. 16
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 mea...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min•Ep. 15
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 p...
Apr 14, 2025•41 min•Ep. 14
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 bra...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 13
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 ...
Mar 31, 2025•47 min•Ep. 12
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...
Mar 24, 2025•46 min•Ep. 11
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 id...
Mar 17, 2025•52 min•Ep. 10
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...
Mar 10, 2025•43 min•Ep. 9
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 • Overvi...
Mar 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 8
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 streng...
Feb 24, 2025•32 min•Ep. 7
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 dizzine...
Feb 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 6
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 po...
Feb 10, 2025•23 min•Ep. 5
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 si...
Feb 03, 2025•45 min•Ep. 4
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" • U...
Jan 27, 2025•49 min•Ep. 3
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 ...
Jan 20, 2025•45 min•Ep. 2
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 ind...
Jan 14, 2025•45 min•Ep. 1
