Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast

Ayla Wolf, DAOM
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Medicine
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Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast. This podcast is the go-to podcast for actionable information to help people recover from concussions, brain injuries, and post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Ayla Wolf does a deep dive in discussing symptoms, testing methods, treatment options, and resources to help people troubleshoot where they feel stuck in their recovery. The podcast brings you interviews with top experts in the field of concussions and brain injuries, and introduces a functional neurological mindset to approaching complex cases. For those feeling lost, hopeless, or abandoned let this podcast be your guide to living your best life after impact. Subscribe now and start your journey to recovery!

  1. Nov 4

    Psilocybin and Brain Injury Recovery: Neuroplasticity, Psychedelics & Healing with Dr. Douglas Wingate | E83

    Could psilocybin help the brain recover from a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Emerging research into psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and psychedelic-assisted therapy is raising fascinating questions about the potential role of psilocybin in brain injury rehabilitation. For people struggling with persistent post-concussion syndrome, brain fog, chronic headaches, cognitive dysfunction, and emotional trauma, could psychedelic-assisted neurorehabilitation offer a new approach to recovery? In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Douglas Wingate, a doctor of Chinese medicine, neurological rehabilitation practitioner, author, and licensed psilocybin facilitator. Together, we explore the neuroscience of psilocybin and brain recovery, the differences between microdosing and macrodosing, and how psychedelic experiences may influence neuroplasticity. We also discuss the importance of integrating rehabilitation therapies after a psychedelic experience, the safety considerations involved, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding psychedelic-assisted treatment. Opening a Window for Neuroplasticity One of the most fascinating aspects of psychedelic research is the possibility that certain substances may temporarily increase the brain's capacity for change. For people living with persistent symptoms after a concussion, this raises an intriguing question: What happens when the nervous system becomes stuck in patterns that conventional rehabilitation struggles to change? Dr. Wingate introduces the concept of a critical window of neuroplasticity and explains why he believes the weeks following a psilocybin experience may be especially important for neurological rehabilitation. We discuss how therapies such as acupuncture, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and other neurorehabilitation approaches might be integrated during this period to reinforce new patterns of neurological function. Although these mechanisms are being actively investigated, the clinical effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury remains an emerging area of research. Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: What Does the Experience Actually Involve? For someone considering psychedelic-assisted therapy, understanding the process is just as important as understanding the neuroscience. Dr. Wingate shares his experience as a licensed psilocybin facilitator in Oregon, where he has worked with hundreds of individuals, including people living with persistent neurological symptoms. We discuss what happens during a facilitated psilocybin session, why preparation and integration are so important, and how emotional experiences may intersect with physical symptoms such as chronic pain, migraines, and brain fog. We also explore the importance of screening for contraindications, including certain psychiatric conditions and medication interactions, and why psychedelic experiences are not appropriate for everyone. Microdosing vs. Macrodosing: What's the Difference? Microdosing psilocybin has received considerable attention for its potential effects on mood, cognition, and mental clarity. But how does taking a subperceptual dose differ from undergoing a full psychedelic experience? Dr. Wingate explains the differences between microdosing and macrodosing, including their proposed effects on brain network activity, neuroplasticity, and emotional processing. We also discuss why the scientific evidence for microdosing remains limited, despite growing public interest and reports of individual benefits. Comparing Psilocybin, Ketamine, MDMA, and Ibogaine Not all psychedelic or psychedelic-like substances work through the same neurological mechanisms. In this episode, we explore how psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, and ibogaine differ in their pharmacology, subjective experiences, potential therapeutic applications, and safety considerations. Dr. Wingate discusses emerging research involving depression, PTSD, addiction, and neurological rehabilitation, including growing interest in ibogaine for veterans living with traumatic brain injury and psychological trauma. We also examine why the risks associated with these substances vary considerably, particularly the cardiac safety concerns surrounding ibogaine. Lion's Mane Mushrooms and Brain Health Our conversation also takes an interesting detour into lion's mane mushrooms, a medicinal mushroom being studied for its potential effects on nerve growth, neuroinflammation, and cognitive function. Dr. Wingate shares how he incorporates medicinal mushrooms into his clinical practice and discusses the importance of supplement quality, particularly when choosing mushroom extracts. The Future of Psychedelic-Assisted Neurorehabilitation Dr. Wingate is currently writing Opening the Window: Psychedelic-Assisted Neurorehabilitation, a book exploring the neuroscience, clinical considerations, and practical aspects of psychedelic-assisted recovery. We discuss how access to legal psilocybin services is evolving, what training licensed facilitators undergo, and some of the financial and regulatory barriers that currently limit access. For anyone interested in psilocybin for concussion recovery, psychedelic-assisted therapy, neuroplasticity, or emerging approaches to traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, this conversation offers a thoughtful introduction to a rapidly developing field. The potential is intriguing, but important questions remain about safety, effectiveness, patient selection, and long-term outcomes. Learn More About Dr. Douglas Wingate Seven Gates Sanctuary: https://sevengatesanctuary.com Acupuncture, Neuromodulation & Neurorehabilitation: https://acuneuromodulation.com This episode is educational and does not constitute medical advice or an endorsement of psychedelic use. Psilocybin is not an established or FDA-approved treatment for concussion or traumatic brain injury. Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    Psilocybin and Brain Injury Recovery: Neuroplasticity, Psychedelics & Healing with Dr. Douglas Wingate | E83

  2. Oct 27

    Dizziness After Concussion: Resetting an Overactive Vestibular System with Dr. Cedrick Noel | E82

    Why does dizziness persist after a concussion, even when you're sitting completely still? Chronic dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, motion sensitivity, and disequilibrium are common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury (TBI). But what if the problem isn't simply a weakened vestibular system? What if certain parts of the brain's balance system are actually overactive? In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Cedrick Noel, a chiropractic neurologist and developer of the Gravity Reset Method, to explore the neurological mechanisms behind persistent dizziness after concussion, vestibular dysfunction, and the relationship between the inner ear, eye movements, balance, and autonomic nervous system. Together, we discuss his method and approach to vestibular rehabilitation and how identifying abnormal patterns of vestibular activity may open new possibilities for individualized concussion rehabilitation. Why Does Dizziness Persist After Concussion? The vestibular system does much more than help us maintain balance. It continuously communicates with the brain about head movement, gravity, and our position in space. Following a concussion, some individuals experience persistent sensations of rocking, swaying, spinning, or being pulled in a particular direction—even when they're not moving. Dr. Noel explains how the brain normally integrates information from the semicircular canals, otolith organs, visual system, and proprioceptive system to create a stable sense of orientation. He also introduces an important clinical distinction: Is the vestibular system underactive, or could certain aspects be overactive? Understanding that difference may influence how clinicians approach assessment and rehabilitation. When the Brain Doesn't Recognize That You've Stopped Moving One particularly fascinating topic in this conversation is velocity storage, a neurological mechanism that helps the brain process and maintain information about motion. Normally, when we stop moving, our perception of motion gradually resolves. But when vestibular processing becomes dysregulated, some individuals may continue feeling as though they're turning, drifting, or swaying long after movement has stopped. Dr. Noel describes how he evaluates these symptoms using clinical observations, balance testing, controlled chair rotations, and video-based eye movement assessments. The discussion explores how differences in vestibular signaling may contribute to persistent dizziness, difficulty maintaining visual stability, and a sense of being disconnected from one's surroundings. Can Vestibular Dysfunction Keep the Nervous System in Fight-or-Flight? Dizziness is rarely the only symptom people experience after concussion. Many individuals also struggle with headaches, neck tension, visual disturbances, nausea, fatigue, sleep problems, and heightened sensitivity to their environment. Dr. Noel explores the connections between vestibular processing and the autonomic nervous system, particularly the possibility that persistent vestibular disturbances may contribute to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. He uses a memorable analogy: We spend so much time trying to strengthen the nervous system's brakes that we sometimes forget to take our foot off the gas. This raises an intriguing question: Could addressing certain vestibular abnormalities also help reduce the physiological stress associated with persistent post-concussion symptoms? The Gravity Reset Method: A Different Approach to Vestibular Rehabilitation Dr. Noel developed the Gravity Reset Method through years of clinical work with patients experiencing dizziness, balance disorders, and complex neurological symptoms. His approach emphasizes the relationship between two components of the vestibular system: Semicircular canals, which detect rotational head movements.Otolith organs, including the utricle and saccule, which detect gravity and linear acceleration.Rather than beginning with repetitive head movements or habituation exercises, Dr. Noel describes using carefully directed linear movements, visual fixation, and proprioceptive input to influence how the brain integrates vestibular information. What If Dizziness Isn't Your Only Symptom? One of the most interesting aspects of this conversation is the possibility that vestibular dysfunction may contribute to symptoms patients don't immediately associate with their balance system. We discuss connections between vestibular processing, eye movements, postural control, muscle tension, and autonomic regulation. For someone experiencing persistent neck tightness, visual fatigue, headaches, or a constant sense of being off-balance, understanding how these systems interact may reveal important clues about why symptoms continue. The larger message is that successful concussion rehabilitation requires identifying the specific neurological dysfunction contributing to a person's symptoms—not simply treating every patient with the same exercises. If you've been struggling with chronic dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or persistent post-concussion symptoms despite previous treatment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at vestibular neuroscience and the importance of individualized neurological assessment. Learn More About Dr. Cedrick Noel Brain and Body Rehabilitation Specialists: https://yourbbrs.com Gravity Reset Method and NEURD Solutions: https://neurdsolutions.com Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    Dizziness After Concussion: Resetting an Overactive Vestibular System with Dr. Cedrick Noel | E82

  3. Oct 19

    CTE Is Not a Concussion: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know with Dr. Reece Granger | E81

    Does having multiple concussions mean you're at risk for CTE? What is the difference between a concussion, repetitive head impacts, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)? In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I welcome Dr. Reece Granger, host of Headfirst: The Concussion Podcast, chiropractor, and PhD researcher studying sports-related concussions in Australia's National Rugby League.  We cover the science of concussion versus CTE, repeated head injuries, subconcussive impacts, long-term brain health, and concussion prevention in professional and youth sports. We examine how media coverage of NFL concussions and CTE can create confusion and unnecessary fear, why concussion protocols and return-to-play guidelines continue to evolve, and what athletes, parents, and healthcare professionals need to understand about the long-term risks of contact sports. CTE Is Not the Same Thing as a Concussion One of the most important discussions in this episode addresses a widespread misconception: having a concussion does not mean someone will develop CTE. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative condition associated with prolonged exposure to repetitive head impacts, including impacts that may never produce recognizable concussion symptoms. We examine how the media has shaped public understanding of CTE, a topic that Dr. Granger has been analyzing as part of his PhD, including the influence of the movie Concussion, starring Will Smith. Are Changes to Sports Rules Actually Preventing Concussions? Drawing on his research into Australia's National Rugby League, Dr. Granger discusses the evolution of concussion protocols and the unintended consequences of certain rule changes. While some modifications have successfully reduced dangerous head impacts, others may shift the risk from one athlete to another. The conversation explores the challenges of protecting athletes without fundamentally changing the sports they love, including: The benefits of restricting heading in youth soccer and body checking in youth hockey.Why protecting the ball carrier in rugby can sometimes increase concussion risk for the tackler.How concussion incidence statistics may change as recognition and reporting improve.Whether professional athletes can truly provide informed consent to the long-term neurological risks of contact sports.Why sports organizations have a responsibility to protect athletes even when those athletes willingly accept the risks of competition.Concussion Myths That Still Influence Medical Care Despite decades of research, outdated concussion advice continues to circulate. Dr. Granger and I discuss several misconceptions that can interfere with appropriate concussion management, including the belief that someone must lose consciousness to sustain a concussion, outdated concussion grading systems, and the recommendation to remain in a dark room until symptoms disappear. Another fascinating discussion focuses on why concussion symptoms sometimes appear hours or days after an injury. Could adrenaline temporarily mask symptoms? Or are neurological changes continuing to unfold during the first 24–48 hours? The conversation highlights why concussion assessment and recovery are more complicated than a single examination or symptom checklist. Who Is Responsible for Protecting Professional Athletes? Professional athletes are trained to push through pain, compete under pressure, and prioritize performance. But what happens when the injury affects the very organ responsible for judgment, awareness, and decision-making? Dr. Granger challenges the expectation that athletes should always recognize and report their own concussion symptoms. He also raises important questions about the responsibilities of professional sports organizations, the long-term consequences of repetitive head trauma, and what happens to athletes and their families after retirement. Moving Beyond Fear Toward Better Concussion Education For individuals recovering from a concussion, headlines about CTE can be frightening. But understanding the distinction between concussion, persistent post-concussion symptoms, repetitive head-impact exposure, and neurodegenerative disease is essential. A history of concussion is not a diagnosis of CTE, and persistent concussion symptoms do not mean someone is developing a neurodegenerative condition. This conversation emphasizes the importance of interpreting emerging research carefully, challenging outdated medical advice, and providing athletes and patients with accurate information that supports informed decisions rather than unnecessary fear. Dr. Granger and I reflect on the role of podcasts in making concussion research accessible, allowing scientists and clinicians to explain the nuances that are often lost in sensationalized headlines. If you're an athlete, parent, coach, healthcare professional, or someone concerned about the long-term effects of multiple concussions, this episode offers an important perspective on what we know, what remains uncertain, and where concussion research is headed. Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast: Apple   Spotify  Instagram: @headfirst_concussion Ayla Wolf - Interview on Headfirst - September 14, 2026: Apple   Spotify Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    CTE Is Not a Concussion: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know with Dr. Reece Granger | E81

  4. Oct 12

    Can Flying Make a Concussion Worse? Oxygen, Brain Injury, HBOT & Longevity Research with Dr. DeepSea | E80

    FREE COPY of SHATTERED TO STRONG for veterans and active-duty military personnel. To request a copy, simply email info@ibum.org and include your branch of military service and how long you served. Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) help the brain recover after a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)? And is it safe to fly after a concussion?  Dr. Joseph Dituri, better known as Dr. DeepSea, returns to Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast to discuss groundbreaking research into hyperbaric oxygen therapy for brain injury, post-concussion syndrome, neuroinflammation, brain healing, and longevity. A retired U.S. Navy commander, biomedical engineer, neuroscience researcher, and Guinness World Record holder, Dr. Dituri is involved in a major clinical trial at the University of South Florida investigating HBOT for traumatic brain injury. In this second interview with Dr. Ayla Wolf, he shares updates on the ongoing research, explains how changes in oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure affect human physiology, and explores whether alternating between high-oxygen and low-oxygen environments could improve brain function and healthy aging. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Where Does the Research Stand? Dr. Dituri provides an update on the University of South Florida's ongoing clinical trial investigating hyperbaric oxygen therapy in people with traumatic brain injury, including military veterans. While HBOT has demonstrated biological effects relevant to inflammation, tissue repair, and neuroplasticity, its effectiveness as a treatment for persistent post-concussion symptoms remains an active area of investigation. The research team is collecting extensive data, including EEG measurements, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), blood biomarkers, and patient-reported symptoms. One of the biggest challenges? How do researchers objectively measure recovery from a traumatic brain injury when there is no universally accepted biological marker of recovery? Dr. Dituri discusses the difficulty of establishing meaningful clinical trial endpoints and why combining objective neurological measurements with patient-reported improvements may be essential for advancing concussion research. Is It Safe to Fly After a Concussion? One of the most interesting parts of this conversation addresses a question frequently raised by people recovering from concussion: Can flying make post-concussion symptoms worse? Commercial aircraft cabins are typically pressurized to the equivalent of approximately 6,000–8,000 feet above sea level. This means passengers experience changes in atmospheric pressure and oxygen availability, even while sitting comfortably inside an airplane. I ask Dr. Dituri about how these environmental changes might affect someone experiencing headaches, brain fog, dizziness, vestibular dysfunction, or other persistent concussion symptoms. We also discuss why the effects of a short domestic flight may differ from those of a long international flight—and why more research is needed to understand how recent brain injuries interact with altitude and cabin pressure. Importantly, there is not enough evidence to establish a universal waiting period before flying after an uncomplicated concussion. Individual medical circumstances and symptoms matter. Can Alternating Oxygen Levels Improve Brain Health and Longevity? Dr. Dituri has spent much of his career studying human physiology under extreme environmental conditions. Now, his research is expanding beyond brain injury recovery into healthy aging and longevity. As part of the XPRIZE Healthspan competition, his team is investigating a fascinating concept called hormesis—the idea that carefully controlled physiological stress may stimulate beneficial adaptations. Their research combines several interventions, including: Hypobaric exposure: Simulating higher-altitude environments with reduced atmospheric pressure and oxygen availability.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Increasing atmospheric pressure and oxygen exposure.Exercise: Challenging cardiovascular and metabolic systems.Cold-water immersion and sauna: Investigating physiological responses to controlled temperature stress.Red light therapy: Exploring photobiomodulation as another potential influence on cellular function.The goal is not simply to extend lifespan, but to improve healthspan—the years people maintain cognitive function, physical strength, balance, and independence. Dr. Dituri discusses the team's progress in the XPRIZE competition and why he believes the relationship between oxygen, physiological stress, and adaptation deserves further investigation. These combined interventions remain experimental, and their benefits for longevity have not yet been established. From Shattered to Strong: Finding a Path Forward After Brain Injury Dr. Dituri also introduces his new book, Shattered to Strong, inspired by his personal experience recovering from traumatic brain injury. His goal is to help people better understand the treatment options they may encounter, the research behind those interventions, and the questions they should ask before pursuing them. The conversation explores the importance of informed decision-making, lifestyle factors that support general brain health, and the challenge of navigating emerging treatments when the science is still evolving. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Dituri reflects on how his understanding of traumatic brain injury has changed over the past decade. What once appeared to be a relatively straightforward neurological problem has revealed itself to be far more complicated. Brain injury recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and the more we learn about the brain, the more questions we discover. Listen to Our First Conversation If you missed my first interview with Dr. Dituri, I highly recommend listening to Episode 32: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Brain Injuries with Dr. Deepsea. In that conversation, we explore his extraordinary experience living underwater for 100 days, his personal traumatic brain injury recovery, and the science behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This second conversation builds on that foundation, bringing new research updates and expanding into the fascinating relationship between oxygen, atmospheric pressure, brain function, and longevity. Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    Can Flying Make a Concussion Worse? Oxygen, Brain Injury, HBOT & Longevity Research with Dr. DeepSea | E80

  5. Oct 5

    How Many Concussions Are Too Many? Measuring the Cumulative Impact on the Brain with Dr. Joseph Maroon | E79

    How many concussions are too many—and could we someday measure the cumulative effect of every hit to the head? Dr. Joseph Maroon, longtime team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a pioneer in concussion and traumatic brain injury research, joins Life After Impact to discuss multiple concussions, repetitive head impacts, subconcussive exposure, CTE, and the future of concussion testing.  Dr. Maroon helped develop ImPACT, the neurocognitive test that transformed how the NFL, NHL, and other contact sports evaluate athletes after concussion. Now, his attention has turned to the next major problem in sports concussion research: determining the accumulated burden of head impacts over a lifetime. From sensor-equipped mouthguards that measure impacts in real time to advanced MRI, brain spectroscopy, and research involving former NFL players, Dr. Maroon explains how scientists are moving beyond simply counting concussions toward understanding the actual dose of impact the brain has received. The question of “How many concussions have you had?” may eventually prove to be far too simplistic. A player may experience hundreds or thousands of head impacts during years of football, hockey, rugby, MMA, military service, or other high-risk activities without every impact producing a diagnosed concussion. Dr. Maroon believes concussion research needs something analogous to the “pack-years” physicians use to quantify lifetime cigarette exposure: a way to measure the cumulative dose of repetitive head impacts to the brain. In this episode, he explains how researchers are getting closer. One of the most fascinating developments is the use of instrumented mouthguards containing accelerometers. Unlike helmet sensors, the mouthguard is coupled more closely to the skull and can measure the location, magnitude, linear acceleration, and rotational acceleration associated with a head impact. In rugby, these technologies have already been used to monitor enormous numbers of impacts. Some systems can even produce a visible alert following a sufficiently large impact—essentially creating a neurological version of the “check engine” light. An alert doesn't diagnose a concussion. Instead, it tells the medical team: this athlete experienced a significant impact and should be evaluated. But Dr. Maroon is interested in going even further. Rather than simply measuring the G-force of individual hits, researchers are investigating whether they can calculate the energy transferred during repeated head impacts and accumulate that exposure over time. Could an athlete eventually have a lifetime “dosimeter” for head impacts—similar to the radiation badges worn by people who work around X-rays? And could that information help answer one of the hardest questions in sports medicine: When has a brain had too much? Dr. Maroon also shares the story behind the development of ImPACT testing. Decades ago, while working with the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Chuck Noll challenged him to provide objective evidence for why a concussed quarterback should remain out for a specific period of time. That challenge helped lead Dr. Maroon and neuropsychologist Dr. Mark Lovell to develop baseline neurocognitive testing, allowing clinicians to measure processing speed, memory, and other cognitive functions before injury and compare them with performance after concussion. Today, Dr. Maroon sees impact dosimetry as another potential step forward: moving from measuring how the brain performs after an injury toward quantifying what the brain has actually been exposed to. The conversation extends beyond professional sports. Dr. Maroon discusses research involving Navy Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen, who can experience thousands of repetitive impacts from high-speed boats slamming against waves, as well as ongoing research involving former NFL and NHL players and other individuals with histories of repetitive head impacts. He also describes research combining instrumented mouthguards with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate whether accumulated impact exposure across a football season corresponds with measurable changes in the brain's white-matter pathways. Later in the episode, the conversation turns toward what may happen biologically after years of repetitive brain stress—including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, glutathione depletion, and neurodegeneration. Dr. Maroon explains his current research using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure chemicals such as glutathione directly in the brain and discusses why his team is studying strategies intended to support the brain's antioxidant defenses. You'll also hear about: Multiple concussions and cumulative head-impact exposurePittsburgh Steelers and NFL concussion historyThe origins of ImPACT concussion testingInstrumented mouthguards and real-time head-impact monitoringWhy G-force alone may not tell the whole storyLinear versus rotational forces on the brainSubconcussive impacts in contact sportsWhite-matter injury and diffusion tensor imagingCTE and long-term brain healthRepetitive head impacts in military populationsGlutathione and oxidative stress in the brainMitochondrial health and ATPHyperbaric oxygen therapy and photobiomodulationEmerging approaches to measuring and protecting brain healthPerhaps the biggest idea in this conversation is that the future of concussion science may require us to stop thinking about brain injury as a series of isolated events. The number of diagnosed concussions matters—but the accumulated burden of everything the brain has experienced may matter even more. Have you had repetitive head impacts? Take part in Dr. Maroons research on glutathione precursors. Email maroonjc@gmail.com Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    How Many Concussions Are Too Many? Measuring the Cumulative Impact on the Brain with Dr. Joseph Maroon | E79

  6. Sep 28

    Brain Injury Recovery at Home: Making Everyday Life Part of Rehabilitation | E78

    Brain injury and concussion recovery don't happen only in a rehabilitation clinic—they happen at home, at work, in the grocery store, in the kitchen, and in the hundreds of everyday tasks that can suddenly become harder after a traumatic brain injury.  In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I talk with cognitive-motor neuroscientist and neurological occupational therapist Dr. Christopher Gaskins about practical brain injury rehabilitation, cognitive fatigue, memory problems, executive dysfunction, mental workload, neuroplasticity, and rebuilding independence after TBI or concussion. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation—including working with wounded warriors and veterans at Walter Reed—Dr. Gaskins explains why effective neurorehabilitation must go beyond exercises performed in a clinic and address the real-life environments where people actually need their brains to function. Dr. Gaskins describes his philosophy simply: “The home is a therapy gym.” Walking into someone's home can reveal challenges that may never become apparent during a traditional office visit. Is clutter creating visual and cognitive overload? Is the refrigerator so disorganized that preparing a healthy meal becomes overwhelming? Can the person safely navigate the bathroom? Are bills and mail piling up because executive function has become difficult? Even something as seemingly simple as repeatedly losing your keys can create unnecessary cognitive demand when the brain is already working harder to accomplish everyday tasks. The goal is not simply to perform better on a rehabilitation exercise. The goal is to make life easier. Dr. Gaskins explains how occupational therapy can use the activities people actually care about—cooking, shopping, dressing, gardening, using technology, returning to work, or even taking a spouse on a date—as opportunities to promote neuroplasticity and rebuild function. The conversation also explores one of Dr. Gaskins's areas of neuroscience research: mental workload. After brain injury, activities that were once automatic can suddenly require enormous amounts of conscious attention. That makes reducing unnecessary cognitive demand an important part of recovery. Sometimes the solution isn't another brain exercise. It may be creating a better calendar system, organizing a phone, setting location-based reminders, simplifying a morning routine, reducing clutter, or using technology as an external memory aid. Dr. Gaskins also discusses how he is beginning to incorporate AI tools to help some brain injury survivors organize information, support memory, and complete meaningful tasks—while teaching clients how to use these tools responsibly. You'll also hear about Dr. Gaskins's years working with wounded warriors at Walter Reed, including rehabilitation after TBI, blast injuries, stroke, polytrauma, vision loss, amputations, PTSD, and other complex neurological injuries. Those experiences ultimately motivated him to earn a PhD in neuroscience and cognitive science to better understand why some people respond to rehabilitation differently than others. The conversation looks toward the future as well, including electrical stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, robotics, brain-computer interfaces, and technologies designed to translate a person's intended movement into meaningful action. But through all of the neuroscience and emerging technology, Dr. Gaskins returns to something remarkably simple: Rehabilitation should help people do the things that make their lives meaningful. Sometimes brain injury recovery isn't about adding more therapy. Sometimes it's about reducing the mental workload, changing the environment, creating better systems, and helping the brain use its limited resources for the things that matter most. Neurosuite: website Dr. Gaskins LinkedIn Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    Brain Injury Recovery at Home: Making Everyday Life Part of Rehabilitation | E78

  7. Sep 21

    Why Your Eyes Still Hurt After a Concussion with Dr. Melissa Biscardi | E77

    Your eyes can be the bottleneck in concussion recovery, and they can also be the missing piece when someone still has headaches years later despite doing “all the right things.” We sit down with Dr. Melissa Biscardi to unpack her PhD work on eye movements and concussion, including a virtual reality (VR) eye training intervention that adapts week by week based on how each person performs and what symptoms show up. We talk through what clinicians can actually measure, why near point of convergence is so central to daily function, and how to think about huge sets of eye movement data without cherry-picking a single metric. Then we move into what we’re both seeing in real clinics: people who already completed vision therapy but still live with chronic daily post-traumatic headache, light sensitivity, and a deep, physical orbital ache. We explore the “eye pain, head pain, light pain” overlap through the trigeminal nerve, how the autonomic nervous system can react during visual tasks, and why a slower, gentler progression can sometimes be the difference between progress and a flare. Melissa shares hands-on strategies aimed at creating ease in the eye tissues, while we also compare options like acupuncture, peripheral nerve stimulation, and simple eye mobility work that is about comfort, not just performance. We also get practical about technology in concussion rehab: VR can be engaging and scalable, but headset fit and interpupillary distance calibration can trigger symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations. Melissa explains how different VR scenarios can help or backfire, and she walks us through the Brain Toolkit app she built to put eye drills and assessment tools like balance and reaction time into more clinicians’ and patients’ hands. If you find this helpful, subscribe, share it with someone navigating post-concussion syndrome, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Dr. Melissa Biscardi: website Instagram: @concussionrehab.ca YouTube: @concussionrehab Brain Tool Kit: https://www.instagram.com/braintoolkit Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    Why Your Eyes Still Hurt After a Concussion with Dr. Melissa Biscardi | E77

  8. Sep 15

    Can We Measure Concussion Recovery? Brain Vital Signs, NeuroCatch & Neuroplasticity with Dr. Ryan D'Arcy | E76

    What if we could objectively measure how the brain is functioning after a concussion—in just six minutes? Concussion and post-concussion syndrome can affect attention, cognitive processing, reaction time, and brain function even when conventional imaging does not provide the answers patients are looking for. In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, Dr. Ayla Wolf talks with neuroscientist Dr. Ryan D’Arcy, co-founder, President, and Chief Scientific Officer of HealthTech Connex and a pioneer of brain vital signs and NeuroCatch, an EEG-based technology designed to objectively measure cognitive brain function. They explore how NeuroCatch measures the brain's response to auditory information, what the N100, P300, and N400 can reveal about sensory processing, attention, and cognition, and how researchers are using these measurements to study concussion, traumatic brain injury, subconcussive impacts, neuroplasticity, and brain recovery.  Dr. D’Arcy explains why he began asking a deceptively simple question: We routinely measure vital signs for the heart and body—so why don't we have a vital sign for the brain? That question ultimately helped lead to NeuroCatch, a portable system that condenses technology once largely confined to neuroscience laboratories into an assessment that takes just over six minutes. Rather than asking someone how their cognition feels, the system measures electrical responses generated as the brain processes sounds and language.  The conversation takes an especially fascinating turn when Dr. D’Arcy describes what researchers have observed immediately after concussion. In the first 24 hours, the brain may actually recruit more cortical activity while processing information more slowly—a physiological pattern that changes as the brain moves through recovery.  They also explore emerging research into subconcussive impacts in football, hockey, MMA, rugby, and other contact sports. NeuroCatch measurements have detected changes in cognitive processing associated with accumulated impact exposure—even in athletes who were not diagnosed with a concussion. Dr. D’Arcy also shares preliminary findings from ongoing research examining what happens when athletes are given time away from repetitive impacts and whether objective measures of brain function return toward baseline.  But this episode isn't only about detecting injury. It's also about neuroplasticity and possibility. Dr. D’Arcy describes neuroplasticity as the brain's innate ability to rewire itself—and explains why those changes can sometimes become maladaptive after concussion. Recovery may therefore involve more than simply restoring a neurological function. It may require deliberately creating new pathways that help the brain translate its recovered capacity back into everyday life.  You'll also hear about the remarkable case of a soldier who sustained an extraordinary penetrating brain injury and continued making functional gains 20 years later—a powerful reminder that the brain's capacity for change does not necessarily disappear simply because an injury is considered chronic. The conversation also explores how brain vital signs are moving beyond concussion assessment into treatment monitoring and human performance optimization. Professional athletes, military populations, clinicians, and researchers are beginning to ask not only whether brain function is impaired—but whether cognitive processing can be measured, trained, and optimized. If we can measure how the brain is functioning, can we make better decisions about recovery? And if neuroplasticity remains possible years after an injury, how much human potential have we been underestimating? This episode offers a fascinating look at the emerging intersection of concussion science, objective brain testing, neurotechnology, neuroplasticity, sports performance, and the future of brain health. NeuroCatch: website Dr. D'Arcy LinkedIn Intagram: @dr.ryandarcy TikTok: @dr.ryanddarcy Send us a Message! My new book The Art of Concussion Recovery: Following the Thread is available as an audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT The Art of Concussion Recovery - Audiobook Available on Audible and Apple Books, Paperback and Hardcover on Amazon Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact 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 ...

    Can We Measure Concussion Recovery? Brain Vital Signs, NeuroCatch & Neuroplasticity with Dr. Ryan D'Arcy | E76
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Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast. This podcast is the go-to podcast for actionable information to help people recover from concussions, brain injuries, and post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Ayla Wolf does a deep dive in discussing symptoms, testing methods, treatment options, and resources to help people troubleshoot where they feel stuck in their recovery. The podcast brings you interviews with top experts in the field of concussions and brain injuries, and introduces a functional neurological mindset to approaching complex cases. For those feeling lost, hopeless, or abandoned let this podcast be your guide to living your best life after impact. Subscribe now and start your journey to recovery!

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