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 sensations or experiencing heightened awareness
• Potential underlying causes include concussions, mold exposure, viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and cervical instability
• Exercise therapy is beneficial but must be customized to the patient's specific condition and symptoms

For more information about concussion recovery and autonomic dysfunction, check out Dr. Wolf's new book, "The Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces to Recovery," now available on Amazon.

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

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 of appointments with multiple practitioners—sometimes five days a week—while grappling with the profound question: "Who am I now that everything that defined me has been stripped away?"

The heartbeat of this episode is the critical gap Chaandani identified during her recovery: many healthcare providers, though well-intentioned, aren't truly "concussion-informed." She describes how practitioners might overwhelm patients with too much information delivered too rapidly, or fail to recognize when patients are "masking" their symptoms while internally struggling. With approximately 30% of concussion cases becoming persistent, this represents thousands of people potentially falling through the cracks.

Today, Chaandani has transformed her experience into a mission. She now educates practitioners on practical strategies to better serve their concussion patients—from slowing speech patterns to controlling environmental factors like lighting and sound. She's developing an online learning community for professionals launching in 2025, aiming to create systemic change that improves outcomes for all PPCS patients.

Connect with Chaandani at www.returntolife.ca and discover how her work is helping bridge the gap between patients and practitioners in the concussion recovery journey.

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

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 over intensity
• Face-only cold exposure with breath holding triggers the mammalian dive reflex for parasympathetic activation
• Magnesium (particularly bisglycinate) supports nervous system regulation, especially before bedtime
• Ketone esters provide quick access to alternative brain fuel within 15-20 minutes of consumption
• Taking 10-20g of ketones before exercise may improve tolerance and reduce symptom flares
• Creatine (10-20g daily) shows promise as both preventive and recovery support for brain injuries
• Research shows impressive protective effects in animal models but human brain uptake differs
• The "kitchen sink approach" combining multiple therapies likely offers fastest recovery path

Website: mikenelson.com

Podcast: Flex Diet Podcast

Instagram: @DrMikeTNelson

Carrick Institute Course taught by Dr. Mike T Nelson: Ketones and Traumatic Brain Injury

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

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
• Repeatedly pushing past symptom thresholds creates negative neurological associations that worsen exercise tolerance
• Breaking the connection between exercise and symptoms may require changing equipment, environment, or exercise type
• Isometric exercises and proprioceptive training can help recalibrate the nervous system's response to movement
• Recovery isn't linear—success comes from tracking aggregate trends while accepting daily variability
• Focus on raising your "floor" (minimum exercise capacity on bad days) rather than chasing pre-injury performance levels
• Consistency in showing up for subthreshold exercise is more important than performance on any single day

For more information, visit miketnelson.com or listen to the Flex Diet Podcast.

Find Dr. Nelson on instagram @drmiketnelson

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Website: lifeafterimpact.com

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

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
• The brain's ability to filter information is compromised, creating sensory overload
• Integrating multiple sensory systems creates more significant improvement than treating each in isolation

You can find Dr. Brewer at Diverge Performance in Boise, Idaho, or online at divergeperformance.com.

Instagram: @divergeperformance

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Website: lifeafterimpact.com

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

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 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.
• Using "small-T" trauma processing before addressing bigger traumas creates more capacity for healing.
• The brain after injury operates at different oscillation speeds compared to an uninjured brain.
• Depression from brain injury may not respond to antidepressants because of neurological differences.
• Improved diagnostics like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can now show neural disorganization after concussion.
• EMDR improves sleep, mood, cognitive function, and even physical symptoms like hyperacusis and dizziness.
• Telemedicine EMDR is effective and accessible

If you're interested in finding an EMDR therapist trained in Dr. Morrissey's specialized approach for brain injuries, contact the Morrissey Institute directly for referrals in your area.

Links for Dr. Michelle Morrissey:

The Morrissey Institute Website: https://www.themorrisseyinstitute.com/

Questions to ask Prospective EMDR Therapists: Watch Video
The Morrissey Institute YouTube Channel

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

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.

• 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

Please subscribe to our show so you don't miss an episode and, as always, you can email us questions at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com or send us a text by clicking on the text us link in the show notes.

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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Website: lifeafterimpact.com

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

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 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
• Establishing baseline hormone levels when feeling well provides valuable reference points for future care
• 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.

Dr. Tatiana Habanova Links:

Clinic: Palm Beach Brain Center

FB Page

Instagram @palmbeachbraincenter

YouTube

LIFE AFTER IMPACT:

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Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.