What if "evidence-based" isn't the only correct path — but picking the wrong alternative care could cost your client their recovery?

Too many patients and clinicians get stuck in a binary: either "only evidence-based" or "anything that feels good." That leaves vulnerable people chasing unproven fixes, paying lots of money, delaying effective care — or worse, getting harmed.

Here's the hard truth: the concussion space is messy and full of gray. Research often lags behind clinical observation, but that doesn't mean anything goes. The solution is evidence-informed, patient-centred care — blend what the best evidence shows, your clinical reasoning, objective outcomes, and informed consent so people safely get the care that actually helps them.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• How to tell the difference between helpful complementary care and care that's actively harmful (financial, symptomatic, or delaying effective treatment).

• Practical flags to watch for in a therapist's approach — e.g., inability to explain the treatment plan, no objective/subjective outcome measures, pressure sales, or discouraging other referrals.

• Why trauma almost always plays a role in persistent concussion and how addressing it (EMDR, somatic, or other trauma-informed approaches) can unlock rehab progress.

• How to prioritize and co-manage care (what to measure, how to test and retest in session, when to refer, and how to keep the patient's autonomy and safety front and centre).

If you're a clinician: use this episode as a checklist to tighten your referrals and explain your reasoning to patients. If you're on a healing journey: use it as permission to ask tough questions and refuse care that feels coercive, vague, or unmeasured.

Let's finish Season One by choosing curiosity over dogma — and by putting patient safety, clarity, and real outcomes first.

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

Have you ever wondered why your vision still feels "off" long after your concussion recovery was supposed to be complete?

You're not imagining it — and you're definitely not alone. So many concussion survivors go through the motions of rehab, only to find their eyes still struggle to track, focus, or process movement the way they used to. The problem? Vision issues are often an invisible piece of the concussion puzzle that goes undiagnosed or under-treated.

In this episode, Natasha sits down with Dr. Paul Rollett, a neuro-optometrist who understands this struggle on a personal level. After suffering a severe concussion during optometry school, Dr. Rollett experienced the same visual challenges he now helps his patients overcome. His story sheds light on how vision connects deeply to brain recovery — and why addressing it can make all the difference in your healing journey.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Why vision problems are so common — yet so often missed — after concussion

• How neuro-optometry bridges the gap between vision and brain healing

• The signs your eyes may still be struggling post-injury

• How targeted vision therapy can accelerate your recovery and clarity

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Even in environments focused on vision, post-concussion visual issues can go overlooked — awareness and specialized care matter.

• Recovery is possible, but it often requires a collaborative approach between neuro-optometrists, physiotherapists, and other rehab professionals.

• Vision therapy isn't just about the eyes — it's about retraining the brain to process visual information effectively.

• Personal experience often fuels passionate, patient-centered care — and Dr. Rollett's journey is proof of that.

CONNECT WITH DR. PAUL ROLLETT:

🌐 Website: https://www.vividneurooptometry.com 📸 Instagram: @vividneurooptometry

If your world still feels visually "off" after a concussion, this conversation with Dr. Paul Rollett will help you understand why — and what you can do about it.

Let's Connect!

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

Connect with Dr. Paul Rollett

🌐 Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca

💬 You can use the contact form on the site to reach Dr. Rollett directly.

🎥 Bonus: Check out their 45-minute YouTube documentary on the main page to learn how vision plays a powerful role in concussion recovery.

Have you ever hesitated to recommend a treatment because you weren't sure your patient could afford it — or worried your fees would look like you're putting profit before care?

Many private-practice providers freeze at the money conversation: we undercharge out of guilt, over-explain costs, or avoid talking about outcomes and value — and that leaves patients confused, underserved, or worse, exploited.

That discomfort is exactly why this episode matters. The Roundtable pulls back the curtain on pricing, billing, and ethical care — we name the tension between value and access, then give you practical ways to hold both at once: clear upfront conversations about outcomes, flexible "plan B" options, warranties/refund approaches for devices, pro-bono funnels, and clinician-level boundaries that protect both patient outcomes and your team's sustainability.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to frame cost conversations around value and outcomes (so patients see spending as investment, not just expense).
• Concrete strategies for setting and defending fee schedules while staying ethical and compassionate (including transparency, team conversations, and when to push back on insurer-driven rates).
• A practical, team-based clinical approach for complex concussion cases — what to assess first (vision, vestibular, neck, nervous-system regulation) and how to coordinate referrals.
• Real ways to increase access without going broke: pro-bono slots, low-cost/online resources, sliding plans, and negotiating efficient treatment doses that still get results.

On this episode of The Roundtable we dig into the hard stuff — cost, billing, and caring for people in vulnerable positions — and we walk through a real, messy case study (Michelle's multi-system concussion) so you leave with both mindset shifts and actionable tools.

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

Could the clinic you're trusting with your brain actually be doing more harm than good?

Too many people assume "concussion clinic" on a website means expert care — and they end up getting one-size-fits-all treatments, vague reassurance, or worse: passive "symptom management" that stalls recovery.

That confusion is costing people time, money, and progress. In this episode we pull back the curtain on what realconcussion care looks like, how to spot red flags (and good signs), and why an integrated, multi-system screen — not a single weekend course — matters. We also meet Seira, whose post-concussion picture includes POTS and complex vision issues, and dig into how you actually treat those drivers instead of just masking symptoms.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to tell a legitimate concussion clinic from a marketing label — the one question that reveals everything.

• The 7 concussion profiles every competent clinic should be able to screen for (and why that matters for recovery).

• Which questions to ask reception and your therapist so you don't get handed a hot pack and sent home.

• The difference between managing POTS symptoms and treating underlying drivers (plus what Seira's case teaches us about integrated care).

Need a quick checklist? Grab the your guide in Choosing the Right Concussion Clinic

with the exact questions to ask before you book an appointment HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/choosing-the-right-concussion-clinic

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here:https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

Have you ever wondered what's actually happening in your brain after a concussion—and why some symptoms just won't quit?

You've probably tried the usual: rest, therapy, supplements… but your sleep is still off, your focus is fuzzy, and your mood swings are confusing everyone (including you).

That's where neurofeedback comes in—a powerful yet often misunderstood approach that can retrain your brainwaves and support true, lasting recovery.

In this episode, Natasha sits down with Lisa Cramer, licensed professional counselor, neurofeedback provider, and owner of MindBody Neurotherapy in Colorado and Illinois. Lisa breaks down how neurofeedback works, why it's such a game-changer for lingering concussion symptoms, and how it fits into an integrated recovery plan.

🧠 BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• What neurofeedback really is (and how it retrains your brainwaves)

• Why symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and poor sleep often persist after concussion

• How EEG brain mapping helps guide personalized neurofeedback treatment

• The difference between systems like LENS and traditional neurofeedback

• When to start neurofeedback after a concussion—and what to expect during the process

• How combining neurofeedback with photobiomodulation and other therapies can accelerate healing

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• No two concussions are alike. Neurofeedback helps target your unique brainwave patterns rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

• The EEG comes first. Always look for a provider who does a QEEG brain map before starting any neurofeedback protocol.

• Healing is possible. Even years after an injury, the brain can change—and neurofeedback helps it do exactly that.

• Don't wait. If your child (or you) still isn't "back to normal" after a head injury, there are safe, proactive steps you can take now.

Let's Connect!

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

🧩 Connect with Lisa Cramer

🌐 Website: www.mindbodyneuro.com📍 Serving clients in Colorado and Illinois

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindbodyneuro/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/mindbodyneuro/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cramer-lcpc-bcn-qeeg-dl-02304174/

🔗 Find certified practitioners near you at:

Board Certified Neurofeedback Practitioners https://www.bcia.org/

Board Certified QEEG Practitioners https://iqcb.org/

🧠 Final Thoughts from Lisa:

"Don't wait. You can do so much to correct brain function after a concussion. Get the help, get the support, and start retraining your brain—it's worth it."

What really happens when concussion care goes beyond silos and clinicians start collaborating? If you've ever felt like concussion care is disjointed—with one provider treating symptoms in isolation—you're not alone. Too often, patients are left bouncing between professionals, trying to piece together their own recovery while struggling to understand what's actually happening in their brain and body. That's exactly why The Roundtable exists—to change that. In this first episode of Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable, host Natasha Wilch, along with Dr. Rachel Parker, Dr. Cameron McCrodan , and Dr.Rob Trachter, pull back the curtain on what real interdisciplinary collaboration looks like. Together, they share insights from the frontlines of concussion care—where emergency medicine meets functional neurology, vision therapy, and rehabilitation—to redefine what's possible for recovery. Because concussion care shouldn't be about guessing. It should be about teamwork. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Why most people with concussions fall through the cracks between diagnosis and rehab—and how to change that
• The crucial role emergency and trauma physicians play as the first point of contact after a head injury
• Why imaging doesn't diagnose concussion (and what actually does)
• The real timelines for concussion recovery—and why the old "two weeks" stat needs to go
• How vision plays a massive role in persistent symptoms (and what happens when therapy goes wrong)
• What "rehab burnout" looks like and how to reignite motivation for healing

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable isn't just another podcast—it's a conversation that bridges the gap between disciplines, restores hope to patients, and reminds us all that behind every concussion is a human story waiting to be seen, heard, and healed. Tune in and join the movement toward more connected, compassionate, and informed concussion care. Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide and recent shootings in relation to CTE.

What happens when the body of an elite athlete breaks down—and the mind begins to follow?

So many athletes push through pain, assuming that grit and discipline can outlast anything. But what happens when the symptoms you're feeling—confusion, depression, vertigo, and memory loss—aren't something you can train your way out of?

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, former Team USA Bobsled athlete William Person shares his journey from Olympic-level competition to losing his sense of self after years of undiagnosed head injuries. What started as dizziness and brain fog became a battle for survival—and ultimately, a story of recovery, faith, and purpose.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• The hidden toll of repetitive head injuries and why so many athletes ignore the warning signs

• The moment William realized something was deeply wrong—and the turning point that started his path to healing

• The treatments and mindset shifts that helped him rebuild his life after traumatic brain injury

• Why true healing requires more than just medical answers—it demands community, hope, and self-compassion

This episode isn't just about recovery—it's about rediscovering who you are when everything you've built falls apart. William's story will remind you that even in the darkest moments, there's always a way back to yourself.

Connect with Will:

• TikTok

One man with a chamber HBOT (@hyperbarichealing) | TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zD0dNeEvPi&_r=1_

• To raise funds to open a CTE Recovery Center for athletes and military veterans battling CTE like symptoms to receive care without the burden of cost

William's GoFundMe is: https://gofund.me/93ff9c6e

Let's Connect!

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

How often do we, as clinicians, wait for the research to "catch up" before we make changes—while our clients continue to struggle with symptoms that could've been eased sooner?

If you're still using the same intake forms, the same outcome measures, or the same clinical flow because "that's how it's always been done," you might be missing key opportunities to prevent trauma from taking hold and prolonging recovery.

Here's the truth: fear avoidance, trauma, and negative self-talk can all delay healing after a concussion. But with the right tools, insights, and a willingness to adapt, we can rewrite recovery pathways and help our clients find safety, resilience, and real progress—faster.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• The key role of fear-avoidance behaviors in persistent concussion symptoms

• Why traditional intake questionnaires may be missing critical emotional data

• How trauma and negative self-perception influence the nervous system and recovery

• A powerful new EMDR approach that may prevent trauma from taking root after MVAs

By integrating trauma-informed, research-backed care sooner—not later—you'll learn how to support your clients more completely and help them reclaim their healing journey.

Let's Connect!

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

What happens when your body tells you "no" but the world keeps telling you to "push through"?

If you've ever felt the pressure to keep going, keep performing, or keep showing up—despite your body screaming for rest—you're not alone. For people living with concussions or brain injuries, the expectation to "suck it up" can be not only harmful but downright dangerous.

In this episode of Concussion Nerds, Natasha sits down with the incredible Briana Rice—scientist, advocate, and current Miss USA Woman of Achievement 2025—whose story is a powerful reminder that slowing down is not weakness, but wisdom. Brianna opens up about living with post-concussion syndrome, learning to give herself grace, and how she's turned her pain into purpose by using her national title to raise awareness about invisible injuries.

Amb Briana Rice Bsc. is a developmental biologist and the reigning Miss U.S. Woman of Achievement 2025.

She is an International Ambassador for Happiness and the founder of the Love and Light Movement, she curates upscale events and retreats.

She is also a certified Tantra teacher, Sound Healer, and yoga instructor, blending science and spirituality to help others heal, rise.

Briana and is the co-founder of the Blackberry Merlot wine Festival and the visionary behind Grace for Your Journey, a platform that empowers women and uplifts the voices of those living with invisible disabilities and chronic health conditions.

As the Riverside Director of the Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs, Briana fosters leadership and community among women in business. and reclaim their inner power with grace.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Why "pushing through" with a brain injury can lead to serious setbacks (including seizures).

• How to navigate the tension between your body's limits and society's expectations.

• Practical ways to rebuild self-trust and self-love after a diagnosis changes your life.

• The power of advocacy and how Brianna is using her platform to create resources and visibility for brain injury survivors.

This conversation is raw, inspiring, and full of reminders that even when life doesn't go as planned, you still have the power to write a new story.

Connect with Briana:

Website: www.brianarice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bri_from_the_ie/

Let's Connect!

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

🎙️ Ready to change the way you see concussion care? Join the Concussion Nerds Virtual Summit on September 27–28, 2025 for expert talks, live workshops, and tools to help you or your clients heal with confidence.

👉 Grab your free or VIP pass here: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit

What happens when you fight for years to be taken seriously, only to find that the very people meant to help you don't understand what you're going through?

Too often, people with concussions are dismissed, ignored, or told to "just live with it." They try everything, but without the right care, it feels like they're stumbling in the dark—losing energy, losing hope, and sometimes even losing parts of themselves.

In this episode, you'll meet Angelique Esseling from the Netherlands, a woman whose story proves just how much persistence, resilience, and the right support can change everything. From years of medical dismissal to finally finding real answers—and even traveling across the world for an intensive—Angelique's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• The critical mistakes many people unknowingly make in the early stages of concussion recovery

• Why self-advocacy (even when you're exhausted) can be the turning point in your healing journey

• What an intensive program really looks like—and how it can create breakthrough results when nothing else seems to work

• How Angelique turned her challenges into a platform for advocacy, storytelling, and public speaking that's changing lives

If you've ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or stuck on your healing path, Angelique's story will remind you that there is another way forward—and that your limits don't define you, they can actually guide you toward new possibilities.

Connect with Angelique:

Website: https://breingelique.nl/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijn_nah_route/

Let's Connect!

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

🎙️ Ready to change the way you see concussion care? Join the Concussion Nerds Virtual Summit on September 27–28, 2025 for expert talks, live workshops, and tools to help you or your clients heal with confidence.

👉 Grab your free or VIP pass here: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit