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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 read, write, or control his emotions. Faced with suicidal thoughts, he tried everything to heal his broken brain. The result? A revolutionary understanding that effective brain recovery requires simultaneous physical, physiological, and psychological intervention.

Now part of a team leading the world's largest hyperbaric oxygen therapy study for veterans with TBI, Dr. Dituri reveals fascinating discoveries about how different pressure levels trigger distinct healing mechanisms. Want to reduce inflammation? Lower pressures around 1.3-1.4 atmospheres work best. Need to inhibit toxin production? Higher pressures up to 3.0 atmospheres are required. This nuanced understanding explains why personalized protocols matter tremendously.

What makes Dr. Dituri's research particularly groundbreaking is its comprehensive approach. His team isn't just measuring one or two outcomes – they're collecting blood, urine, saliva, EEGs, and advanced brain imaging before and after treatment. And unlike most medical studies, they've ensured nearly half the participants are women, acknowledging the importance of including females in brain injury research.

Whether you're struggling with concussion symptoms, supporting someone with TBI, or simply fascinated by cutting-edge neuroscience, this episode offers rare insight from someone who's lived the journey from both sides – as researcher and patient. Subscribe now to hear how underwater pressure might hold the key to healing our most complex organ.

Dr. Dituri:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://drdeepsea.com/

Instagram: @drdeepsea

LinkedIn: Dr. Dituri

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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.

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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 detective, meticulously gathering clues without contaminating the evidence or jumping to conclusions. This data-driven method allows him to identify precisely where dysfunctions overlap across multiple neurological systems. As he explains, "It becomes like hundreds, if not thousands, of Venn diagrams, circles that overlap with each other. If you can figure out where all somebody's findings overlap, fixing that one thing fixes all the circles."

The discussion delves into the hierarchical nature of our nervous system, beginning with the bedrock of metabolic function and the often-overlooked autonomic nervous system. Dr. Antonucci emphasizes the critical role of the vestibular system - one of our oldest sensory systems - which is uniquely integrated throughout the entire brain. Unlike our visual or auditory systems that occupy specific regions, vestibular processing influences everything from eye movements to posture, hormones, and sleep cycles.

What makes concussion patients so challenging? "They are depression patients, headache patients, movement disorder patients, dysautonomia patients, chronic pain patients... take all the different patients you would have in a neurology practice and pop them together in one person," Dr. Antonucci explains. Yet with his structured framework, these complex cases become opportunities rather than overwhelming challenges.

Perhaps most powerful is his emphasis on patient education and empowerment. By helping patients understand what's happening in their nervous systems, he transforms their experience from one filled with "I can't do's" to one where they control their own recovery journey.

Whether you're a healthcare provi

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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.

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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 diagnosis requires high-resolution temporal bone CT imaging
• Midbrain dysfunction often presents with combined symptoms of light/sound sensitivity, anxiety, and vestibular issues
• Hear the story of how Dr. Zielinski's clinic won architectural awards for its therapeutic design specifically engineered for brain injury patients
• Special features include specific shades of green for photophobia and felt materials that absorb aggravating sound frequencies
• The physical environment itself becomes part of the treatment approach

You can learn more about Dr. Zielinski's clinic at northwestfunctionalneurology.com or email [email protected].

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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.

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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 also dive into:

• How the default mode network and salience network are key players in emotional dysregulation after concussion
• Why combining TMS with targeted neurological rehab exercises leads to stunning outcomes—like a 96% response rate and remission rates in the high 80s
• The use of TMS for dystonias, dysautonomia, movement disorders, and more
• Key contraindications you need to know before considering TMS

Whether you’re a patient exploring new treatment options or a clinician wanting to deepen your understanding of brain-targeted therapies, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.

Dr. Zielinski's Website: Northwest Functional Neurology
Youtube channel: @northwestfunctionalneurolo5250

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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.

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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 vestibular symptoms
• Chinese medicine perspective on "dampness" and its relationship to dizziness

We'd love to hear what specific topics you want to hear more about, and you can do that by clicking the send us a text link that's at the top of the show notes. Video clips from previous episodes are now available on the Life After Impact YouTube channel, which you can find by searching for @LifeAfterImpact.

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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.

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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 knocked unconscious in a street fight, his life spiraled into seizures, medication side effects, and cognitive challenges that left him feeling broken and hopeless. But what followed was a remarkable transformation that defies conventional wisdom about brain injury recovery.

From the depths of this struggle emerged a profound journey of healing through neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Dr. Miller takes us through his evolution from "seven-year dropout senior" to PhD neuroscientist specializing in traumatic brain injury recovery, now completely free from medications and seizures that once plagued his daily life.

This conversation unveils practical, accessible strategies anyone can implement to enhance brain function and recovery. From the surprising benefits of juggling to simple "mind gym" finger exercises that stimulate the motor cortex, Dr. Miller offers tools that cost nothing but yield profound results. His emphasis on breathwork—particularly nitric oxide breathing through the nose—reveals how something as fundamental as how we breathe can strengthen neural pathways and boost healing.

Dr. Brody:

Website: https://dr-bro.com

Dr. Brody's Mind Gym: https://dr-bro.com/mindgym2025

Podcast on Spotify: Rebound Your Brain Podcast ~ Dr. Brody Miller

Book: Brain Rescue: A 90 Day Blueprint to Reclaim Your Memory After a Brain Injury or Concussion

YouTube: @drbrodymiller

Instagram: @drbrodymiller

TikTok: @drbrodymiller

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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 [email protected]

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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.

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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 Gerdes, an electrical engineer who suffered a TBI and discovered sound could help heal his brain
• How Cereset measures emotional and stress fitness in the brain using EEG sensors
• The difference between fight/flight (right-sided dominance) and freeze (left-sided dominance) brain patterns
• The standard five-session protocol and how it creates lasting changes in brain function
• Real patient experiences and transformations after using the technology
• Why this approach works well for visual-sensitive concussion patients as it relies only on sound.

Find more information about Cereset technology at Cereset.com and look for locations near you.

Dr. Ala Lysyk: 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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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.

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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 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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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.

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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 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.

Email Chaandani: [email protected]

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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.

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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 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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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.