Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast. Our podcast is the go-to podcast for actionable information to help people recover from concussions, brain injuries, and post-concussion syndrome. Co-hosts Ayla Wolf and Sophia Bouwens do a deep dive in discussing symptoms, testing methods, treatment options, and resources to help people troubleshoot where they feel stuck in their recovery. The podcast brings you interviews with top experts in the field of concussions and brain injuries, an ...
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What Concussions Do to Women’s Hormones with Dr. Tatiana Habanova (Part 2) | E19
38:54
38:54
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38:54Dr. 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-concussio…
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What Concussions Do to Women’s Hormones with Dr. Tatiana Habanova (Part 1) | E18
38:03
38:03
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38:03The 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 f…
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When Life Changes in an Instant: A Father Shares His Son's Brain Injury Journey | E17
38:09
38:09
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38:09When 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…
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Why Traditional Balance Therapy Often Fails Concussion Patients with Natasha Wilch | E16
54:03
54:03
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54:03Natasha 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 …
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Untangling Dysautonomia: Beyond POTS and Vagal Nerve Hacks | E15
40:20
40:20
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40:20Dr. 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 …
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Your Brain on Light: How Photobiomodulation Supercharges Recovery After Impact | E14
41:13
41:13
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41:13Dr. 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 hom…
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Brain Mapping and Cognitive Recovery with Dr. Michael Bagnell | E13
1:09:58
1:09:58
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1:09:58Dr. 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 …
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Autonomic Dysfunction After Brain Injury - An Interview with Dr. John McClaren - Part 2 | E12
46:46
46:46
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46:46Dr. 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…
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Autonomic Dysfunction After Brain Injury - An Interview with Dr. John McClaren - Part 1 | E11
46:19
46:19
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46:19Dr. 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 au…
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Ancient Healing Meets Modern Technology at The Shiu Clinic in Manhattan | E10
51:52
51:52
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51:52Dr. 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 • Tr…
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Concussion Recovery with Elite Speed Skater Dr. Danielle Fleming | E9
42:47
42:47
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42:47Join 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 help…
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Unraveling Cervical Instability: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions | E8
25:21
25:21
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25:21In 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 …
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Part 2 - Traumatic Neck Injuries and Concussions | E7
32:07
32:07
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32:07This 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 reco…
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Traumatic Neck Injuries and Concussions: Overlapping Symptoms | E6
28:24
28:24
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28:24This 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 enhanc…
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Eight Less Headache Days a Month? An Inside Look into Our Concussion Research | E5
23:22
23:22
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23:22Our 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 oppo…
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Post-traumatic Headaches: A Form of Neuropathic Pain | E4
44:57
44:57
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44:57This 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. …
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Migraines Versus Post-Traumatic Headaches: What is the Difference? | E3
49:22
49:22
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49:22This 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 t…
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Overcoming Headache Challenges After a Concussion | E2
44:35
44:35
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44:35Post-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 …
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Post-Concussion Syndrome: Seeing the Big Picture of Concussion Recovery | E1
45:10
45:10
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45:10Sophia 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 hea…
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