Educational Articles for Further Reading
We always take the time to educate our patients about the science behind their healing, as it gives them even more ownership over their recovery journey. These articles will provide a foundation of important education that can benefit you on your road to recovery.
Optimal Nutrition for A Recovering Brain
When it comes to successful neurological recoveries, nutrition is a key factor–a cornerstone that cannot be overlooked. In this article, we will explain the benefits of eating brain-friendly foods, the detriments associated with eating certain neuroinflammatory foods, and a bit of background information about why proper nutrition is exponentially more important after a brain injury or stroke.
What Is Neuroplasticity?
As you’ve begun the journey of healing your brain after an injury, it’s likely that you’ve come across the term “neuroplasticity.” It is truly remarkable and a cornerstone of the work we do in functional neurology, so we want to make sure neuroplasticity is understood in its fullness. Many of our patients come in still a bit confused by this important concept, so let’s break it down simply, but without watering it down.
Why Is Bloodwork So Important for Neurological Recovery?
While the brain does indeed act as the organizing authority of the body, it does not operate within a vacuum. Acute neurological injuries such as TBI (traumatic brain injury), stroke, and concussion, as well as chronic conditions including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, often impact the entire gamut of bodily systems, not only the nervous system. These imbalances that result from brain injuries will often prevent the brain from healing.
What Is Perseveration?
Perseveration involves repetitive thought loops and a fixation on an idea, thought, or belief that cannot be released. This occurs when one’s frontal lobe, the inhibitory lobe of executive function and emotional regulation, is damaged and cannot fully inhibit the compulsive, repetitive thoughts. Perseveration, while potentially crippling, is actually quite common among patients who have suffered from traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, concussion, PTSD, or anxiety.
Standard Lab Ranges vs Functional Lab Ranges
Bloodwork analysis is a crucial component of successful neurological recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or concussion, as well as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. However, not all doctors interpret these lab results the same way, and it’s important to know the differences between the conflicting approaches. This article focuses on the differences between the standard model and the functional medicine model, identifying the causes and consequences of following outdated models.
Importance of Sleep for Brain Health
In recent years of research, it has been determined that about ⅔ of the world’s population is not getting the recommended 8 hours of nightly sleep. For people suffering from chronic mental health conditions and/or recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or concussion, proper sleep is of the utmost importance. From restoring the immune system to removing excess inflammation in the brain, sleep provides unique benefits that cannot be accessed otherwise and that are absolutely necessary when recovering from a neurological injury or mental health condition.
Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
When it comes to providing optimal support for the brain, particularly following a brain injury or stroke, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) are at the top of the must-have list. From reducing inflammation in the cardiovascular system to supporting neuron (brain cell) function, the benefits of vitamin D and fish oil are wide-ranging. In this article, we've outlined some of the most important functions that these offer for the brain and body, as well as ways to make sure you are getting the correct amount in your daily intake.
rTMS: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has taken the world of neurological rehabilitation by storm the last few decades, offering a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for a range of neurologic and psychiatric conditions.By sending a rapid series of painless electromagnetic pulses into these neurons, the rTMS can effectively reset the electrical charge of the neurons so that they can fire appropriately. This improved function is sustained long after receiving the treatment, as the neurons have essentially been given a gentle jumpstart that shifts them back into harmony.
Therapy Spotlight
The Autonomic Nervous System: Balance Is Key
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a network of neural pathways that controls various organ systems in the body in order to maintain homeostasis. The autonomic nervous system is comprised of two systems: the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest). When recovering from a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or stroke, it is important to understand the balance between these two systems, as an imbalance can seriously inhibit recovery.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold Laser Therapy, often known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLT), is a well-researched therapeutic modality that utilizes light to generate cellular energy, reduce inflammation, and promote rapid healing. This occurs through a process called photobiomodulation (PBM). In simple terms, the light penetrates the skin and enters the cells, where it is absorbed and converted into energy. Read the article for an in-depth look at this safe, effective, non-invasive therapy.
Therapy Spotlight
Neurofeedback Therapy
Neurofeedback Therapy is emerging as a promising treatment modality known to positively impact conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, concussion / post-concussion syndrome (PCS), stroke, and TBI (traumatic brain injury). Neurofeedback Therapy is essentially a method for retraining the brain toward more desirable thought patterns and brainwave states. This happens through a feedback loop involving a computer-brain interface that provides real-time positive and negative feedback to the patient.
Neuroinflammation and TBI
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) creates a cycle of neuroinflammation, or inflammation in and around the brain, that can lead to secondary injuries and symptoms. This cycle of neuroinflammation, often called the neuroinflammatory cascade, is important to understand. Read this article to earn more about what neuroinflammation is, what this cycle of neuroinflammation entails, and what can be done to reduce its effects post-TBI.