Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast

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

Send us a text

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Disclaimer:
This podcast is separate and unaffiliated from Sophia Bouwen's work and employment at the Health Partners Neuroscience Center.
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.

In this episode Dr. Ayla Wolf dives deep into cervical instability, a condition that often gets overlooked but can have significant effects on daily life. Understanding its symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options can empower listeners to seek the help they need.
• Explanation of cervical instability and its causes, highlighting four types of cervical instability
• Discussion of the wide range of symptoms associated with cervical instability, including neurological effects
• Overview of diagnostic testing processes, including advanced imaging techniques
• Examination of treatment options, including physical therapy, prolotherapy and platelet injections
• Emphasis on the importance of neck strengthening and postural awareness
• Call to action for listeners to learn more and take care of their neck health

Blog Post: Upper Cervical Instability After Head Trauma: https://www.lifeafterimpact.com/post/upper-cervical-instability-following-head-trauma

Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast is your go-to resource for healing after a concussion or brain injury. Whether you're struggling with lingering symptoms, searching for expert advice, or just trying to understand your recovery journey, this podcast is here to guide you.

Join us as we explore the latest research, interview top concussion specialists, and share real-life recovery stories. You'll learn practical strategies to manage symptoms, improve brain health, and take back control of your life.

If you're looking for answers, hope, and a path forward after a concussion, you’re in the right place. Subscribe now and start your journey to recovery!

Send us a text

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Disclaimer:
This podcast is separate and unaffiliated from Sophia Bouwen's work and employment at the Health Partners Neuroscience Center.
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.

This episode explores the connections between post-traumatic headaches and neuropathic pain, providing insights into the neurological underpinnings that affect pain perception and treatment efficacy. We emphasize individualized approaches to treatment and highlight the importance of understanding the brain's role in experiencing and managing pain.
• Understanding persistent post-traumatic headaches
• Exploring neuropathic pain in relation to concussions
• The brain's role in interpreting pain signals
• Hallmarks of neuropathic pain: allodynia and hyperalgesia
• Importance of individualized treatment approaches
• Effects of acupuncture and cognitive therapies on recovery
• Neuroplasticity and its impact on pain perception
• Encouragement for patience and continued treatment for chronic pain
• Insights from case studies on acupuncture effectiveness
• The evolving landscape of pain management strategies and research advancements
Research Study Referenced in this Podcast:
Leung, A. (2020). Addressing chronic persistent headaches after MTBI as a neuropathic pain state. J Headache Pain, 21(1), 77. doi:10.1186/s10194-020-01133-2

Send us a text

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Disclaimer:
This podcast is separate and unaffiliated from Sophia Bouwen's work and employment at the Health Partners Neuroscience Center.
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.

This episode emphasizes the intricate relationship between neck injuries and concussion recovery, exploring how sensory integration affects patient outcomes. Listeners learn about the importance of tailored therapies, effective communication among care providers, and the necessity of understanding each patient's unique presentation for optimal recovery.
• Understanding the role of functional neurology in treatment
• Importance of sensory integration and balance in recovery
• Where do neck strengthening exercises fit in
• Forward head posture and its implications for patients
• Exploring functional tests for assessment of symptoms
• Dangers of poor communication amongst therapists
• Case study illustrating the connection between cervical dysfunction and dysautonomia
• The significance of tailored therapy approaches
• Insight into the challenges faced in workers’ compensation cases
• Preview of topics for future episodes, including cervical instability and dysautonomia

Send us a text

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Disclaimer:
This podcast is separate and unaffiliated from Sophia Bouwen's work and employment at the Health Partners Neuroscience Center.
Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Dr. Clayton Shiu brings his expertise in treating brain injuries through a unique integration of traditional Chinese medicine and cutting-edge technology, creating remarkable results for patients with neurological conditions.
• Specialized training at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin
• Transitioned from sports medicine to neurology after recognizing growing trends in neurological disorders
• Uses careful observation and palpation to identify often-missed signs of brain injury
• Implements quantitative EEG (QEEG) to measure brain activity and track treatment progress
• Incorporates advanced red light therapy through the RegenPod to enhance mitochondrial function
• Teaches techniques for "awakening the Shen" - bringing consciousness back to areas affected by injury
• Developing Tai Chi programs that function as vestibular rehabilitation
• Often detects concussion symptoms in patients seeking treatment for seemingly unrelated conditions
Find Dr. Clayton Shiu at The Shiu Clinic in Manhattan and East Hampton (shiuclinic.com), on Instagram @jade_shaman, and learn about his teaching workshops at nanopunctureseminars.com.

Send us a text

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Disclaimer:
This podcast is separate and unaffiliated from Sophia Bouwen's work and employment at the Health Partners Neuroscience Center.
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.