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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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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 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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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. 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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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. 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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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 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 [email protected] or send us a text by clicking on the text us link in the show notes.

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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.

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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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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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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 unconscious. What followed was a parent's worst nightmare: emergency craniectomies to relieve dangerous brain swelling, 18 days in intensive care, a broken jaw, fractured femur, and months of inpatient rehabilitation. Even after returning home, complications continued, including Brady's body rejecting his skull replacement, requiring a custom prosthetic skull that later became infected.

The most powerful thread woven through Shane's story isn't just about medical challenges—it's about how communities rally during crisis. From teachers showing up at the hospital during surgery to neighbors feeding their dogs and plowing their driveway, the outpouring of support sustained them through their darkest days. Perhaps most touching was how Brady's older brother Jacob, who has autism, stepped up to care for Brady, even waking at 4:00 AM to prepare medications so his parents could sleep.

This experience inspired the family to create the Brady Finn Foundation, which hosts the annual Lucky Brady Swenson Lucky 13 Golf Tournament (named for Brady's favorite number). The foundation supports Sacred Heart Catholic School and Crescent Cove, a rare respite facility that provides the family with crucial breaks from Brady's round-the-clock care. Though Brady remains in a wheelchair, unable to walk or speak, his story has become a powerful catalyst for giving back to the community that carried them through crisis.

Ready to help families like Brady's? Join the Lucky 13 Golf Tournament on October 11th, 2025, or learn more about how you can support the Brady Finn Foundation at Lucky13golf.net.

Facebook Page for the Lucky13 Golf Tournament

Contact Shane Swenson at [email protected]

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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.

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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 everyday movements
• The otolithic system is frequently overlooked in vestibular assessment yet crucial for sensing linear movement and gravity
• Simply practicing difficult balance positions doesn't address why balance is compromised in the first place
• VOR (vestibular-ocular reflex) exercises may be inappropriate without first stabilizing eye movements and addressing asymmetries
• Balance requires proper integration of visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems

For free resources including twice-monthly group coaching calls and a library of educational materials, visit Natasha's Concussion Mini School program or contact her through Instagram @Natasha.Wilch.

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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.

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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 means too much sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity
• Symptoms can include cardiovascular issues like racing heart, increased heart awareness, and lightheadedness
• Digestive symptoms often include nausea, GI discomfort, and food sensitivities
• Respiratory, temperature regulation, cognitive function, and immune function can all be affected
• POTS is just one specific form of dysautonomia with clear diagnostic criteria
• Testing for dysautonomia includes pupil response tests, Valsalva maneuver evaluation, and sustained handgrip testing
• Dysautonomia can be primary, secondary (after concussion, surgery or viral illness), or co-exist with other conditions
• Proper assessment requires comprehensive testing rather than symptom-based treatment
• Vagal nerve stimulation is not a universal solution and may not help all forms of dysautonomia

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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.

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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 pulse frequencies to target specific brain states
 • The gamma setting (40Hz) improves cognitive function and focus
 • The alpha setting (10Hz) promotes relaxation and healing
 • Device quality and specifications matter – therapeutic benefits depend on proper wavelength, power, and design
 • Different devices work better for different conditions

Contact Caroline Wilkerson: LinkedIn Profile
 
Want to learn more about photobiomodulation? Check out our blog at lifeafterimpact.com. 

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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.