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Think your “sinus headache,” tight hamstring, or random insomnia is unrelated to your head? We trace surprising symptom chains back to the nervous system and show how hidden concussions often sit at the center of stubborn pain, sleep issues, tinnitus, and gut flare‑ups. With returning guest Dr. Clayton Shiu, we unpack real cases where elbow or knee pain turned out to be brain-driven—and why delayed symptoms after a fall or car crash are more physiology than mystery.

We walk through the moment-to-moment clues that shift a diagnosis: eyes that won’t track smoothly at check‑in, speech that slips into transient aphasia, a neck moving like a bobblehead, or balance that subtly lags on stairs. You’ll hear how adrenaline masks pain for days, why the autonomic system can scramble circadian rhythms, and how vestibular-ocular issues make braking at a stoplight feel like your body keeps going. Then we get practical: document every accident even if you feel “fine,” recognize the pattern when “allergies” don’t behave like allergies, and understand when rehab stalls because the system—not just the sore part—needs care.

If you’re stuck chasing symptoms, this conversation offers a new map: test what matters, treat the mechanism, and let the nervous system lead your plan. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs clarity, and leave a review to help others find their path forward.

Dr. Clayton Shiu Instagram: @jadeshaman, @the_shiu_clinic

Clinic 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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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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What if the missing element in your health isn't another supplement or diet change, but something as fundamental as light? In this illuminating conversation, Sarah Turner reveals how our modern indoor lifestyle has created a profound deficiency in specific wavelengths of light that our bodies evolved to require.

Turner, founder of CeraThrive and creator of an innovative red light therapy device, explains the fascinating science behind photobiomodulation – how red and near-infrared light penetrate human tissue to activate cellular healing mechanisms. Her journey from pharmaceutical research to developing light therapy technology highlights a crucial insight: our bodies function optimally when they receive the natural light patterns they evolved with over thousands of years.

The most compelling aspect of this discussion centers on the gut-brain connection. Turner's device uniquely targets both ends of this axis, recognizing that true brain health begins with gut health. She shares surprising observations about how many people have normalized their gut dysfunction, not realizing these issues directly impact their brain function, energy levels, and mood regulation.

With the precision of a scientist and the accessibility of a skilled communicator, Turner breaks down complex concepts around wavelengths, mitochondrial function, and the emerging field of "photobiomics" – how light affects our microbiome. She offers practical guidance for navigating the confusing world of light therapy devices, helping listeners understand what to look for and what questions to ask before investing.

This conversation expands our understanding of what constitutes essential nutrition. Beyond food, water, and supplements, specific wavelengths of light emerge as critical nutrients our bodies require for optimal functioning. Turner's work represents a fascinating frontier where ancient wisdom about sunrise and sunset meets cutting-edge technology to address modern health challenges.

Whether you're dealing with brain fog, fatigue, mood issues, or gut problems, this episode offers fresh perspective on a therapeutic approach that works with your body's natural processes. Discover how reintroducing the right light into your life might illuminate your path to better health.

Get 10% off your CeraThrive CeraSystem with this link and code: Recovery10

https://www.cerathrive.com/recovery

Instagram: @_rebel_scientist

Podcast:

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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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Have you ever wondered why your digestion seems to have gone haywire after a concussion? You're not alone, and there's a neurological explanation behind those new food sensitivities and stomach troubles.

The brain-gut connection is far more profound than most of us realize. Through the vagus nerve—a critical communication pathway—your brain and digestive system maintain constant dialogue. When a concussion disrupts this delicate system, the consequences ripple throughout your entire digestive process. Your vagal nerve signaling weakens, stomach acid production falters, and gut motility becomes irregular. What's particularly fascinating is how brain inflammation can directly alter your gut microbiome, creating a cascade of digestive symptoms that seem disconnected from your head injury.

The mechanisms behind this connection are multifaceted. First, concussions often trigger autonomic nervous system imbalances that shift your body into fight-or-flight mode, diverting blood away from digestion. Second, inflammatory messengers produced in your injured brain enter circulation and increase gut permeability. Third, the protective barriers in both your brain and gut begin to leak in tandem, allowing harmful substances to cross where they shouldn't. Finally, the stress hormones and sleep disruption that follow concussions further compromise your digestive health by thinning the gut lining and disrupting your microbiome.

If you've developed mysterious food sensitivities, especially to gluten, dairy, or histamine-rich foods, understanding these connections is crucial. Standard elimination diets might not work as expected because many foods cross-react with gluten, including oats, corn, and rice. Additionally, the glyphosate residue in non-organic grains may be exacerbating your symptoms, which explains why some people can tolerate bread in Europe but not at home. Healing requires patience—sometimes 3-6 months rather than just weeks—and a comprehensive approach that addresses both brain and gut simultaneously. By supporting your digestive health, you're also creating the optimal environment for your brain to recover, turning a vicious cycle of inflammation into a virtuous cycle of healing.

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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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The quest to understand persistent brain symptoms after concussion has puzzled doctors and researchers for decades. What happens when the brain doesn't heal as expected? Why do some patients develop long-term problems while others recover completely?

Dr. Mavrudis, consultant neurologist and pioneering researcher, pulls back the curtain on these mysteries by revealing surprising connections between post-concussion syndrome, functional neurological disorders, and even long COVID. At the heart of his research is a revolutionary perspective: these seemingly different conditions share fundamental mechanisms related to neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections. When this process breaks down at the synaptic level, where neurons communicate, symptoms persist despite normal-appearing brain scans.

The conversation takes us deep into the cutting-edge world of brain biomarkers – molecular messengers that could revolutionize how we diagnose and treat concussions. Dr. Mavrudis explains how his team is developing cloud applications and machine learning algorithms to interpret patterns in these biomarkers, potentially allowing doctors to predict which patients will develop serious problems and tailor treatments accordingly. Particularly promising is his work on CGRP biomarkers for post-traumatic headaches, offering hope to many patients dissatisfied with current treatments.

But perhaps most refreshing is Dr. Mavrudis' holistic approach to treatment. Rather than reaching first for medications, he emphasizes behavioral therapies, appropriate exercise, stress management, and addressing cervical injuries that invariably accompany concussions. "The brain doesn't exist in isolation," he reminds us, highlighting how liver function, kidney health, and even gut activity significantly impact brain recovery.

Whether you're struggling with persistent symptoms after a concussion, caring for someone who is, or simply fascinated by the frontiers of neuroscience, this episode offers a roadmap to understanding the complex interconnections of brain injury and recovery.

Dr. Mavroudis: Website

LinkedIn: Profile

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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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The nervous system after concussion often remains stuck in fight-or-flight, making traditional rehabilitation challenging at best. Melissa Biscardi, an osteopathic therapist, registered nurse, and PhD candidate, reveals why gentle manual therapy creates a critical foundation for healing visual dysfunction after brain injury.

Drawing from over a decade of clinical experience, Biscardi explains how cranial work can release tension patterns affecting the extraocular muscles and create a parasympathetic shift that prepares the brain for more active rehabilitation. She shares fascinating insights into the subtle nuances of visual dysfunction that standard assessments often miss - from saccade accuracy problems to vergence issues that only appear when the head is in certain positions. These seemingly minor impairments can significantly impact daily function, much like "driving with a spare tire on" - you'll still get there, but with increased strain and decreased performance.

Her groundbreaking PhD research explores virtual reality applications for ocular motor rehabilitation, comparing traditional care with a six-week VR intervention combined with home exercises via her Brain Toolkit app. This innovative approach makes specialized rehabilitation more accessible and engaging for patients outside major medical centers. Biscardi also discusses her pioneering investigation into how concussions affect hormonal function in women, particularly anti-Müllerian hormone levels, which may impact reproductive health.

From her personal journey with medication-induced memory issues to her martial arts background and multiple concussions, Biscardi brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Join us for this enlightening conversation about cutting-edge approaches to visual rehabilitation and discover practical strategies you can implement today for improved brain health and concussion recovery.

Melissa Biscardi:

Website: www.concussionrehab.ca

Instagram: @concussionrehab.ca

YouTube: @concussionrehab

Brain Tool Kit: https://www.instagram.com/braintoolkit

Carrick Institute:

W.E.S.H.I.N.E. virtual woman-led neurology conference:

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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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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: info@ibum.org

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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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 info@northwestfunctionalneurology.com.

Get 20% off your first order of Puori protein with code LIFEAFTERIMPACT by following this link.

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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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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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.