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!

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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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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

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Get 20% your first order of Purity Coffee with code LIFEAFTER20 by visiting https://puritycoffee.com/?rfsn=8402835.4c895d5.

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee!

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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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 illuminates the significant connection between neck injuries and concussions, and the overlapping symptoms that can occur from either. We delve into various symptoms stemming from neck trauma, explore effective therapies, and highlight the importance of functional neurological assessments and integrative treatment approaches for enhanced recovery outcomes.

• The relationship between neck injuries and concussion symptoms
• Equipping listeners with knowledge about cervicogenic dizziness
• Importance of specialized therapies for neck and brain recovery
• The link between neck trauma and vision disturbances
• The need for comprehensive eye movement evaluations
• The role of integrated therapeutic approaches in recovery

Send us a text

Get 20% your first order of Purity Coffee with code LIFEAFTER20 by visiting https://puritycoffee.com/?rfsn=8402835.4c895d5.

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee!

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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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.

Our latest episode provides an inside look into a pilot study Sophia Bouwens and Ayla Wolf were both personally involved in on acupuncture's effect on post-traumatic headaches, revealing significant improvements for participants. We discuss the necessity of research-driven therapies, the importance of patient-provider communication, and future opportunities for tailored headache treatments.

• Introduction to Life After Impact podcast
• Overview of the pilot study investigating acupuncture for post-traumatic headaches
• Examination of study results and satisfaction levels
• Discussion of treatment frequency and patient experiences
• Call for expanded research and individualized treatment approaches
• Conclusion linking acupuncture research to real-world applications

Research paper:

Herrmann, A. A., Chrenka, E. A., Bouwens, S. G., Tansey, E., K., Wolf, A. A., Chung, K. W., . . . Hanson, L. R. (2024). Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Post-Traumatic Headache in Individuals with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study. J of Neurotrauma. doi:10.1089/neu.2024.0212

Link to research paper: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/neu.2024.0212

Send us a text

Get 20% your first order of Purity Coffee with code LIFEAFTER20 by visiting https://puritycoffee.com/?rfsn=8402835.4c895d5.

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee!

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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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

Get 20% your first order of Purity Coffee with code LIFEAFTER20 by visiting https://puritycoffee.com/?rfsn=8402835.4c895d5.

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee!

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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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 podcast dives deep into the complexities of post-traumatic headaches and migraines, exploring the differences in symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. Insights introduce listeners to medication overuse headaches and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and holistic approaches for recovery after a concussion.

• Exploring common types of post-traumatic headaches
• Migraines as a risk factor for poor outcomes
• Defining migraines and associated symptoms
• Migraine "triggers"
• Understanding the neurological basis of migraines
• Examining the interplay of hormones and diet
• Discussing medication overuse headaches and their impact
• Emphasizing the value of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment
• Discussing alternative therapies and lifestyle modifications
• Encouraging patients to advocate for appropriate care

Research papers discussed in this podcast:
Sufrinko, A., McAllister-Deitrick, J., Elbin, R. J., Collins, M. W., & Kontos, A. P. (2018). Family History of Migraine Associated With Posttraumatic Migraine Symptoms Following Sport-Related Concussion. J Head Trauma Rehabil, 33(1), 7-14. doi:10.1097/HTR.0000000000000315

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

Gosalia, H., Moreno-Ajona, D., & Goadsby, P. J. (2024). Medication-overuse headache: a narrative review. J Headache Pain, 25(1), 89. doi:10.1186/s10194-024-01755-w

Send us a text

Get 20% your first order of Purity Coffee with code LIFEAFTER20 by visiting https://puritycoffee.com/?rfsn=8402835.4c895d5.

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee!

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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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.

Post-traumatic headaches represent a multifaceted challenge for those recovering from concussions, often requiring careful diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. The episode delves into various headache types, the dangers of medication overuse headaches otherwise known as rebound headaches, and the interrelation between neck injuries and headache presentations, urging patients to communicate effectively with their healthcare providers.

• Discussion on cervicogenic versus tension-type headaches
• Importance of glymphatic system in headache management
• The role of hydration in nurturing brain health
• Misconnections between migraines and post-traumatic headaches
• Practical tools for improved communication with healthcare providers

Send us a text

Get 20% your first order of Purity Coffee with code LIFEAFTER20 by visiting https://puritycoffee.com/?rfsn=8402835.4c895d5.

Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee!

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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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.

Sophia Bouwens and Dr. Ayla Wolf DAOM discuss their new podcast, "Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast" focusing on concussions and brain injuries. Dr. Wolf shares information on her soon-to-be-published book, which includes a 48-question questionnaire to categorize symptoms into eight meaningful categories, such as post-traumatic headaches, cognitive symptoms, vestibular disorders, and visual or oculomotor dysfunction. They emphasize the importance of comprehensive testing and individualized treatment plans. Sophia discusses how her background in neuroscience and acupuncture helped improve outcomes with her own brain injury recovery. Dr. Wolf describes her experiencing with multiple sports-related concussions and current work with patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome.

This episode celebrates the power of curiosity and collaboration, illustrating how innovative therapies can enhance our understanding and treatment of nervous system conditions, all while encouraging listeners to personalize their healing journey.

Future episodes will delve into specific topics like post-traumatic headaches, traumatic neck injuries, cognitive symptoms, vision and eye movement disorders, sleep disorders, mood and personality changes, autonomic dysfunction, neuro-inflammation, dizziness, vertigo and balance issues.

Send us a text

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 lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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.