Brain reBuilder

I once had a client whom I will call Jerry.

This is extremely common with strokes, but his brain stem was affected by the stroke in a way that affected his ability to stay very awake during the daytime.

Like many others, Jerry had a situation in which some of the drugs he was using didn’t interact well with each other. He also had a situation in which the side-effects for the drugs he was using happened to be a very comprehensive list of all the problems he was having.

But the biggest problem of all was that Jerry was taking an anti-seizure medication.

Seizures are a real medical risk, and in some cases it’s necessary to take this kind of drug.

Also note that your use of this information does not constitute us forming a doctor-patient relationship. If you need medical advice, please get help from a medical professional whom you trust.

Anti-seizure medications actually slow the speed of the entire brain. This seems to help the fast and un-meaningful brain activity that defines a seizure.

However, the problem is this:

The nerve connections responsible for waking up the entire brain do so by increasing the speed of the entire brain. So, in other words: Jerry was tired because of brain damage, and even more tired because of the anti-seizure medicine!

My methods really necessitate an awake brain. First, because an awake, alert, active brain is most likely to perform the type of metabolic activities I need it to perform. Second, because fast brain activity is absolutely necessary for neurological plasticity. If you’re unsure about plasticity, please check out my podcast on that topic.

I am not aware of any scientific literature on this, but am aware that many claim craniosacral therapy to stop seizures from happening. Again, I don’t have any scientific evidence to back this claim, except to say that my limited personal experience confirms to me that craniosacral therapy is effective at stopping seizures from happening. I have also heard reports about upper cervical specific chiropractic techniques such as the Blair technique, being effective in preventing more seizures from happening again.

In summary, while the drug may be absolutely necessary, it seems reasonable to explore alternative approaches. The reason this is important is because there is a very powerful likelihood that the anti-seizure medication will block brain self-healing.

For Jerry, the neurological activation I was providing didn’t cause any changes in his brain until after we successfully weaned him off the anti-seizure medication, as confirmed by neurological signs. We were very fortunate in this case, because Jerry didn’t end up having any seizures after he was off the drug. Please also note that he did receive craniosacral therapy, which might have been the reason for him not having any more seizures – but we don’t know for sure.

If you find that you are not able to reduce or omit the anti-seizure meds, but that you are interested in activating your loved-one’s brain as a self-help activity, to help it recover from the affects of the stroke; then I would suggest that you might be able to adjust the timing of taking the drug and/or performing the neurological exercises.

For example, if your loved one takes anti-seizure medication once first thing in the morning and once in the evening; then in this case it might be best to schedule the brain exercises in the early evening, before taking the evening dosage of the medication. This way, the anti-seizure drug will be having the least effect possible when you are trying to activate the brain. Of course, you may need to consult with your physician if you are planning to make any changes, including the timing of taking drugs.

Well, that’s it for now. Talk to you soon.

I once had a client whom I will call Anthony. He was an older man who, not unlike numerous others, faithfully engaged a variety of medical specialists for all of his health concerns for more than half a century.

At the time his family engaged me, he was very much in a stupor. He hardly had any appetite at all, preferred to sit in his chair all day watching television, and was mostly quiet and uninteractive.

One of the first things that I noticed is that he was taking more than 30 medications each day. There were 5 times per day that he took his meds, and each instance involved 5 or 6 different pills.

I spoke with his primary physician, who agreed that we should look into this matter. Upon reviewing the full med list, with special interest in the reason the medication was prescribed in the first place, and the side effects – a relationship clearly emerged.

A medication was taken to control blood pressure, but it had side-effects including being lethargic. A medication was later prescribed for the lethargy, but it had side-effects including hard stools. A medication was later given for hard stools, but it had side-effects including headaches. A medication was later given for headaches, but it had side-effects including memory loss. This pattern continued: More meds were given for digestive issues, sleep patterns, anxiety, liver function, triglycerides, and on and on and on…

The real problem in this case was that each time Anthony visited his physician (and usually he had 4 or 5 specialty doctors he was seeing concurrently), he would describe his latest ailment. But in each case, his latest ailment was a side-effect from the medication prescribed during a previous doctor visit. Then, a new drug was prescribed to handle the latest symptom.

Never did a physician review the list of current medications and say – “You know, what you’re explaining could actually be a side-effect of a drug you’re already taking.” Also, even though it was clearly documented that some of his prescriptions were recommended as safe to use for only a few months, he had actually been using those same medications for multiple decades.

We worked to slowly ease Anthony off those drugs which appeared to be prescribed to treat side-effects, and we applied techniques similar to what Dr. Fuhrman recommends for removing dependency on most drugs.

My role was to improve functionality lost with his stroke, but before I started specifically addressing the stroke, the extreme over-use of medications seemed to be the most important issue to address. At the end of this process, there were only two drugs that he still needed to take.

I hadn’t even started working on the stroke yet, and his family was reporting to me that his old personality was back, he was more responsive and interactive. He could hold conversations. He had more energy and vitality. He was stronger and more independent, and all this came just from getting him off all those medications that were really just chasing side-effects.

Experience informs me that this scenario is not as uncommon as you might think. It seems that many doctors are very good at prescribing new drugs, but not so good at un-prescribing drugs that are no longer needed, or in differentiating chief complaints from pre-existing side-effects.

So, if your loved one is a bit older – even if no stroke was involved – there’s a good chance that this type of scenario might be happening to them too – especially if they are taking more than 4 or 5 medications.

Drugs.com has a free tool that will allow you to see all the side-effects and interactions for all the drugs you or a loved one are currently using. This information can be invaluable to you.

Please note that your use of this information does not constitute us forming a doctor-patient relationship. If you need medical advice, please visit a medical practitioner whom you trust.

Thanks and talk to you soon.

When repeated often enough, this method will generate substantial changes:

in correction of abnormal posturing,

with the usefulness of the affected arm – in terms of voluntary motion, being able to grab, scratch, use fingers, etc…, and

as associated with positive changes in the brain, which may be observed through diagnostic imaging

Fast stretch of a tendon

Repeated over time with the correct frequency and intensity, this activity will begin to rebuild and remap that part of the brain. Over a period of 1 to 3 months, it is very likely that stimulation of this reflex at least 3 times per day for at least 6 days per week, will generate substantial changes in both the usefulness of the arm (being able to grab, scratch, use fingers, etc…) as well as associated positive changes in the brain as observed through diagnostic imaging. Please refer to Plasticity for additional insight into this process.

HEMIPARESIS

The tightness commonly experienced by a stroke survivor is referred to as hemiparesis. For ease of understanding, that word can be broken into its two sub-components ‘hemi’ and ‘paresis’. ‘Hemi’, meaning half. This refers to the fact that only the right or left half of the body is affected in this way. ‘Paresis’, meaning restricted movement or weakness.

Even though the word’s sub-components don’t suggest this, the side of the body that is restricted reverses when comparing the upper body to the lower body. In other words: if the right arm is curled, and if the lower body is also affected, then we can expect it to be the left leg that is restricted. Conversely, if the left arm was curled, it would be the right leg also affected*.

GOLGI TENDON REFLEX

This reflex is also known as the inverse myotatic reflex or as autogenic inhibition. Previously it was thought that this reflex was only initiated with sustained contraction placing tension on a tendon. However, it is now understood that the reflex is actually triggered in response to tension on the actual tendon.

When activated, the golgi tendon reflex powerfully relaxes the tight muscle while also driving neurological activity that will cause movement of the joint (opposite to the tightness) and powerfully alleviate pain.

Fast stretch on a tendon will increase its load before the muscle has adjusted in order to attenuate that load, and will thereby activate the golgi tendon reflex. This is important because it provides a direct method to activate a spinal cord reflex that will remove the tightness associated with spastic hemiparesis!

BRAIN RESPONSE

Because the tightness caused by a stroke is normally most prevalent in one arm, and because the restriction follows the distribution of the pyramidal distribution of the corticospinal tract, additional benefits in the brain will result from activation of the golgi tendon reflex in one arm.

To begin, it must be understood that the tightness was caused by nerve cell damage in the area of the brain that impacts the descending system, particularly the pyramidal tract. The 1b afferent fibers associated with this reflex are very fast, and will certainly impact the specific affected brain region on the correct brain hemisphere.

OUTCOME

Repeated over time with the correct frequency and intensity, this activity will begin to rebuild and remap that part of the brain. Over a period of 1 to 3 months, it is very likely that stimulation of this reflex at least 3 times per day for at least 6 days per week, will generate substantial changes in both the usefulness of the arm (being able to grab, scratch, use fingers, etc…) as well as associated positive changes in the brain as observed through diagnostic imaging. Note also that postural stabilization through the golgi-tendon reflex has been shown to improve plasticity in the brain overall (Windhorst, 2007). Please refer to Plasticity for additional insight into this process.

*While “stroke-like” posturing is sometimes

Hormesis is a relatively new scientific theory that has recently gained general acceptance in the scientific community, with – of course – the modern version being much more accurate than what was proposed a few decades ago.

The basic principle is that something which would be harmful to the body, actually produces the opposite effect when applied at a very low quantity. The basic principle behind this notion of placing the body in a state of challenge causes it to automatically take proactive measures to protect itself from the perceived threat.

It has been termed biological plasticity. Its application for homeopathic medicine is quite obvious, as well as the basic idea behind vaccinations, and there are other pharmaceutical applications for this principle. Other applications might include ion radiation, alcohol, cellular energy production, anti-aging, other types of radiation, physical fitness, and so forth…

The effects of hormesis include greater vitality, increased longevity in rodents, better metabolism, improved muscle performance and skin tone, and protection from oxidative damage.

Some simple things you can do to elicit hormesis would include: an occasional cold shower. This contends with the commonly-held belief that a draft of cold air might make one to become sick. Relatively short exposure to extreme temperature is good, along with intermittent fasting, high intensity interval training, off-centered exercises, and so forth…

The bottom line is that when you regularly put yourself into uncomfortable circumstances, this caused your body to line up its best protective mechanisms. It also ensures that your body synthesizes enough growth hormone.

This hormone is key strength, youthfulness, and vitality. However, it should never be taken as a supplement or drug, unless you have a clear and significant diagnosed deficiency, as a small amount too much of this hormone will lead to early demise.

So, find ways to make hormesis a part of your life by willingly subjecting yourself to that which is unpleasant or uncomfortable. It will pay off for you in a big way.

Talk to you next time.

A marvelous body of knowledge, theories, and technical advancements have occurred since the turn of the century when Eric Kandel won the Nobel prize. His life work was fundamental to the discovery of chemical processes that occur and change with short-term and long-term memory in all animals that have a nervous system; and particular in his scientific proof that the brain is not a static and hard-wired machine, incapable of changing – but a constantly adapting system capable of changing itself.

Numerous significant contributors have played a role in this growing body of accelerated understanding during the past two decades since this amazing discovery was officially documented and recognized, especially in consideration of the concomitant rapid technological advancements – particularly in relation to diagnostic imaging. It would be impossible to give comprehensive recognition to each contributor, and no attempt here is made to that end.

NOTEWORTHY CONTRIBUTORS

Exceptionally noteworthy colleagues include Dr. Norman Doidge, and Dr. Frederick Carrick. Interestingly enough, both are from Canada. Dr. Carrick’s contribution to the field of plasticity is considerable and substantial. Dr. Doidge’s contribution to plasticity is immense and far reaching.

Many decades ago, Dr. Carrick began training other practitioners – using the latest research available at the time – on techniques to restore brain function. Since the beginning of his career, he has trained thousands of medical practitioners, been awarded additional graduate diplomas from prestigious schools such as Harvard University, conducted his own breakthrough peer-reviewed scientific research with contributions to numerous noteworthy journals, founded a network of schools that train medical professionals throughout the world, and is a professor at a US News top-ranked school. His most important contributions have included his advancements in recovery of comatose patients, his work on balance and gait, and his unique perspectives and techniques regarding brain function and methodology for recovery.

Dr. Doidge is a psychiatrist who is best known for his book: The Brain the Changes Itself. With over a million copies sold, Dr. Doidge has helped countless people to understand what is possible in restoring the brain to its healthy state. He has received many honors – including literary honors, been featured on numerous video broadcasts, lectured at numerous well-known universities and prestigious organizations, and been featured by the best known news networks. In addition to helping make brain plasticity popular, Dr. Doidge has been involved with the creation of devices used to treat the brain, is a vibrant contributor to the body of scientific research, has devised methods for overcoming serious brain abnormalities, and has compiled an impressive volume of case studies regarding people whose brains have been healed through principles of neuroplasticity.

A PERSONAL INDULGENCE

It’s clear to see why both of these individuals have impacted the world in a positive and immeasurable way. I would now ask that you please forgive the personal indulgence. Both of these professionals are significant to me (Dr. Hogue), because Dr. Carrick was my professor almost two decades ago, and because I have been following and learning from Dr. Doidge for about 15 years.

BASIC PRINCIPLES

At least five components of brain plasticity are important for stroke recovery: NMDA receptor activation, physical exercise, psychological state, neurogenesis, and environment.

NDMA Receptor

The NMDA receptor is important for plasticity because this at least one of the mechanisms that is responsible for actually building the nerve connections. It’s important that we understand something about this receptor so that we can use that knowledge to intentionally build connections in the brain.

Closely connected to the NMDA receptor (and much more widely studied by researchers, because of its...

The Wright Brothers are now recognized world-wide as the first people to successfully create a motor-powered flying machine that could remain in the air for an extended time, carry at least one passenger, and change direction at will. This wasn't true for them in their early days of flight.

In an isolated island named Kitty Hawk on the East Coast of the United States, where there was soft sand and plenty of open spaces, the tail wing turned out to be the last addition needed to allow the Wright Brothers to be able to control their primitive airplane.

Following additional enhancements, they were ready to begin experimentation flying their Wright Flyer using engine power. The very first engine-automated flight lasted less than a minute, but was a major victory for these brothers – and a local even captured a photograph of this historic event.

The very next season they would continue to update, enhance, and test their airplane for the first time in their own home town. The locals near Dayton Ohio, who witnessed the spectacle were fully mesmerized, but the world at large was not ready to receive this message!

News reporters in that small town had seen the flights and reported on it. Other reporters had received word that the Wright Brothers successfully created a flying machine, but to those who had not witnessed it for themselves, this news seemed like a fairy tale.

These reporters who received the news but considered it fantasy, wouldn't think to injure their reputations by giving any attention to this notion.

The Wright Brothers, who thought they could help the United State's defense system, were not even successful in convincing the U.S. Army that they had achieved flight. The Army sent the brothers away without even entertaining the possibility of a demonstration.

After the Wright Brothers were finally ready to show their invention to the world, it took a full 5 years for people in the world to recognize and believe the news!

A Similar Movement Today

Eric Kandell is widely recognized for his substantial contributions to the field of brain science, particularly the biology of the brain with its chemical messaging systems and its ability to learn and change.

There have been countless individuals who first created the circumstances that made these discoveries possible, and also who contributed to the amazing science of healing and repairing the brain. Consider, for example, the neuroscience pioneers Norman Doidge and Frederick Carrick.

Even though two decades have passed since Kandell's most well recognized proof that brain plasticity is real, the world at large seems to unaware of the implications.

Of course, there have been exceedingly dramatic developments in the scientific and medical communities. However, a great deal of this is unknown by so many people the world over.

This is especially true in regards to stroke recovery. Medical facilities continue to utilize dated understanding in terms of long-term prognosis after a stroke.

It may not be completely possible to understand the precise reason such an important message isn't getting through to the primary people who rehabilitate stroke survivors. Nonetheless, we have a very important message to share:

The brain is able to rebuild itself more so than most professionals realize.

Recovery does not need to be expensive. The main requirements are commitment and work mixed with a little bit of the right knowledge.

The brain continues to rebuild itself months and years and decades after a stroke. Even if the stroke happened a long time ago, there is still something that can be done to help.

It might be possible to recover function, even if this seems like an impossibility.

Stroke Help Center is dedicated to teaching you simple exercises you can perform at home to make this happen!

Dr. Hogue has been rebuilding people's brains for 15 years, and has now created a self-study program that allows committed caregivers to make a BIG DIFFERENCE! YOU CAN make a...

The first thing I’d like to share is that it gives me a lot of satisfaction to help people.

This has been both a blessing and a curse. It’s clear why a strong, inner desire to help people is a blessing.

It was a curse because just about everyone I help ends up becoming a cherished friend, and I had to get some perspective in place in order to allow me to support my family, while serving these wonderful people I grew to love so much.

I was a very ambitious child, and scholastically very strong. My birthday was days after the state’s cutoff to begin kindergarten. So I was forced to remain at home one extra year.

Being the oldest member of my class was a sore spot for me. In third grade I convinced the school to allow me to test out of 3rd grade. I spent about 3 hours in the principle’s office, taking a multiple-choice test covering everything that a 3rd-grader should know.

The next day, someone from the office appeared at my classroom and asked me to step out. She then directed me to my new 4th-grade classroom. That was the first time I skipped a grade. I also skipped 5th grade (well, sort of – it’s a long story), and had completed my high school graduation requirements by the end of my 11th grade year, while also having completed two full semesters of college which was taken concurrently that year.

Undergraduate college was a breeze for me, and I actually completed a traditional bachelor’s degree in 2 years. A community college would only allow me to register for a certain number of credit hours in a given term. To get around that, I was actually attending 3 different colleges for most of those 2 years.

I later completed my doctorate degree at a chiropractic school, 2 years of post-doctorate training in a cutting-edge and scientifically-leading field called clinical neuroscience. And I studied at Harvard University for 2 years, in which I designed computer software that restores brain function.

I was in a serious accident when I was 13, in which I sustained a very serious traumatic brain injury. Even though the brain injury did not interfere with my scholastic abilities, it impacted me deeply, and I was driven to find answers and solutions.

For the past 15 years I have been helping people with all manner of neurological conditions mostly including: spinal nerve root injuries, learning disorders, autism, and strokes.

Recently I decided to dedicate myself to strokes only (however it’s possible that I will later expand this to traumatic brain injuries too, since they affect the brain so similarly). The primary reason for this is:

First, because it gives me so much fulfillment to see the impossible come true time and time again!

Second, because there are approximately 800,000 strokes every year, in the United States. About 140,000 of those die from the stroke, but this leaves 660,000 people I can help. That’s enough to keep me busy for the remainder of my life.

I can anticipate that you might have some questions. You may wonder if I work in a hospital, or if not in a hospital – exactly how I get involved with the process.

Actually, you have an excellent point. A stroke is most likely to be treated at a hospital. After the patient is discharged from the hospital, the patient is likely to be taken directly to a long-term acute-care (LTAC) facility. The patient will remain there while highly-skilled professionals will do everything they can to rehabilitate the stroke. This will usually last for months, until the LTAC has determined that all the rehabilitation that is possible HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.

At this point, the family will be instructed regarding home lifestyle modifications, and the patient will be sent home – expecting a substantially limited life from that point on.

This is where I come into the picture. They know that your loved one’s brain is stuck in dysfunction, and that nothing more can be done to restore beyond what they’ve done. They also know that there is only a very short window of potential...