The Concussion Nerds Podcast

Natasha Wilch
  • 4.7 (9)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Concussion Nerds Podcast, where we revolutionize concussion care! This show is for passionate clinicians who want to excel in their field, move clients from stuck to excelling, and celebrate life's moments. Join us as we bring you cutting-edge advancements, practical tips, and inspiring success stories. Together, we'll propel concussion care into a new era, blending science with heart and soul. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a fresh face, or an individual on their own healing journey, this podcast is your ultimate resource. Let's build a community that uplifts and empowers one another, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in concussion care. Get ready to laugh, learn, and grow with me, Natasha Wilch, on The Concussion Nerds Podcast!

  1. Jul 20

    EP 127: What Nobody Tells You About Going Back to Driving After a Concussion

    Have you ever pulled into your driveway and suddenly realized you don't even remember the actual drive home? We've all gone on autopilot during a routine commute, but behind the wheel, your brain is actually running a high-stakes, multi-system marathon. When you or your clients are recovering from a concussion, driving isn't just a daily task—it's an incredibly heavy, cognitively exhausting hurdle. Yet, despite how critical driving is for an individual's independence, it remains one of the biggest blind spots in clinical practice, leaving patients to dangerously figure out their readiness entirely on their own. Navigating an intersection, tracking a pedestrian on the sidewalk, and managing headlight glare require peak performance from the visual, vestibular, and cognitive systems—the exact areas most vulnerable after a head injury. Returning to the road too soon risks a subsequent accident, while avoiding it entirely out of fear leads to long-term anxiety and isolation. The solution isn't to guess or wait until someone "feels fine" in their living room; it's about breaking down the complex neurological demands of the road and utilizing a structured, progressive framework to rebuild that independence safely. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: The Hidden Cognitive Marathon of Driving: Why a routine trip to the grocery store demands an intense combination of divided attention, rapid visual processing, and executive function. The Clinical Blind Spot: Why standard clinic visits often fail to accurately assess driving readiness, and how occupational therapy driver rehab services can bridge the gap. A 5-Stage Progressive Return-to-Driving Framework: A step-by-step roadmap to transition safely from a passenger to a confident driver without overloading the nervous system. The Co-Pilot Strategy and Safety Boundaries: Crucial rules for practicing on the road, including how to handle "bad brain days" and when to safely pass the keys back to a partner. Whether you are a clinician looking to step up your care and confidently guide your complex clients, or a survivor trying to navigate your own healing journey, this episode is going to change the way you look at the road. Let's connect!   Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  2. Jul 13

    EP 126: Why Your Child's Concussion Is Not the Same as an Adult

    Did you know that a child's brain doesn't fully mature until they are 25 years old—and that this completely changes how they recover from a concussion? As parents and clinicians, we often treat a youth concussion as if it's just a smaller version of an adult injury, expecting the same symptoms and the same rapid recovery timelines. But relying on an adult framework means you might completely miss crucial, subtle behavioral red flags in a toddler, overlook why an adolescent is suddenly struggling in school, or accidentally prolong their healing process simply through your own anxiety. Fearing the unknown can cause us to overprotect and isolate our kids, which research shows actually stalls their recovery. The good news is that concussions are fully treatable, but navigating the road to healing requires understanding the unique, developing brain it lands in. In this episode, we break down exactly how concussions present from toddlers to teens, how to spot the critical ER red flags, and how to become the calm, supportive safe space your child needs to fully recover. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why a child's metabolic recovery timeline naturally takes longer than an adult's, and why a four-week recovery window is completely normal. How to spot concussion symptoms in children under eight using keen behavioral observations—like rigid posture or "unicorn sunglasses"—when they lack the words to tell you what hurts. The surprising hormonal differences in puberty that cause adolescent females to experience a higher symptom burden and longer recovery times. The powerful, research-backed link between parental anxiety and prolonged youth recovery, and how managing your own fears actively helps your child heal faster. Click play to learn how to confidently navigate pediatric concussion care and give your child the exact support they need to safely get back to school, sport, and life. This episode is brought to you by Headquarters Health. Headquarters Health is on a mission to make world-class concussion care accessible to everyone. Through its virtual concussion clinic, patients can connect with concussion specialists and receive evidence-based, personalized care without the long wait. For healthcare providers, Headquarters Health also offers an AI-powered platform that streamlines multidisciplinary concussion management and supports better patient outcomes. Learn more at https://headquarters.health/nerds   Let's connect! Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  3. Jul 6

    EP 125: The Weather and Barometric Pressure Problem: Why Your Symptoms Spike When the Storm Rolls In

    Have you ever noticed your concussion symptoms get worse right before a storm, in bright light, or on a hot day? If so, you're not imagining it. It's easy to brush these moments off as coincidence or assume you just have to live with them. Many people even start avoiding the things that trigger their symptoms, like going outside, exercising, or being in bright environments. In this episode, we're breaking down what the latest research says about environmental triggers after concussion. You'll learn why changes in weather, light, and temperature can affect your symptoms, what's happening inside your brain and nervous system, and simple strategies that can help you build tolerance instead of avoiding the world around you. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: Why barometric pressure changes can trigger headaches, brain fog, and other concussion symptoms. How your autonomic nervous system and vestibular system respond to environmental changes. Why constantly wearing sunglasses may make light sensitivity worse, and what to try instead. Practical ways to manage heat, weather, and other environmental triggers while continuing your recovery. The more you understand your symptom patterns, the better equipped you'll be to manage them with confidence.   This episode is brought to you by Headquarters Health. Headquarters Health is on a mission to make world-class concussion care accessible to everyone. Through its virtual concussion clinic, patients can connect with concussion specialists and receive evidence-based, personalized care without the long wait. For healthcare providers, Headquarters Health also offers an AI-powered platform that streamlines multidisciplinary concussion management and supports better patient outcomes. Learn more at https://headquarters.health/nerds   Let's connect! Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  4. Jun 29

    EP 124: When Concussion and ADHD Collide: Untangling Two Conditions that Look Identical

    Have you ever wondered if your concussion symptoms are really from your brain injury, or if something else could be contributing to the way you're feeling? Many people assume problems like poor focus, forgetfulness, irritability, or mental fatigue are simply part of concussion recovery. Others are told it's "just ADHD." The reality is that these two conditions share many of the same symptoms, making it difficult to know what's really going on. In this episode, we're unpacking the surprising overlap between concussion and ADHD, why symptoms alone don't tell the full story, and what clinicians, patients, and families should be looking for instead. Understanding the difference can lead to more accurate treatment, better recovery, and fewer people falling through the cracks. This episode is brought to you by Headquarters Health. Headquarters Health is on a mission to make world-class concussion care accessible to everyone. Through its virtual concussion clinic, patients can connect with concussion specialists and receive evidence-based, personalized care without the long wait. For healthcare providers, Headquarters Health also offers an AI-powered platform that streamlines multidisciplinary concussion management and supports better patient outcomes. Learn more at https://headquarters.health/nerds BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why concussion and ADHD can produce nearly identical symptoms, and why that matters. How a concussion can uncover previously undiagnosed ADHD or make existing ADHD symptoms worse. Why symptom checklists aren't enough to distinguish between concussion and ADHD. The key questions, assessments, and treatment considerations that can lead to better recovery outcomes. Whether you're recovering from a concussion, caring for someone who is, or working with patients, this episode will help you better understand the connection between concussion and ADHD so you can make more informed decisions about recovery. Let's connect!   Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  5. Jun 22

    EP 123: Why Car Accident Concussions Aren't the Same as Sports Concussions

    Have you ever wondered why recovering from a concussion after a car accident can feel so much harder than recovering from a sports injury? Many people assume that all concussions follow the same recovery path. As a result, motor vehicle accident (MVA) concussions are often managed using frameworks designed for athletes, leaving important factors overlooked. The reality is that car accident-related concussions come with unique challenges. From whiplash and delayed access to specialized care to the stress of insurance claims and the increased risk of another accident, these factors can significantly impact recovery. Understanding these differences is the first step toward getting the right support and improving outcomes. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why concussions from motor vehicle accidents differ from sports-related concussions What new research reveals about the increased risk of repeat car accidents after a concussion The factors that may contribute to longer recovery timelines following an MVA Why early assessment and individualized concussion care are critical for recovery Whether you're recovering from a concussion, supporting someone who is, or working with concussion patients, this episode offers important insights into why one-size-fits-all concussion care simply doesn't work. Let's connect!   Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  6. Jun 15

    EP 122: The Emotional Toll of an Invisible Brain Injury

    Have you ever found yourself trying to explain your concussion symptoms—only to be met with doubt, confusion, or the dreaded "But you look fine"? Living with an invisible injury can be incredibly isolating. Whether it's an employer questioning your ability to work, a doctor dismissing your concerns, a family member who doesn't understand, or even your own inner critic making you question your experience, constantly feeling like you have to prove your symptoms can become one of the biggest barriers to healing. In this episode, we're unpacking why people struggle to understand persistent concussion symptoms, how to navigate these difficult conversations with confidence, and the practical tools you can use to advocate for yourself without carrying the emotional burden alone. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why invisible injuries like concussion are so often misunderstood—and why that disbelief isn't a reflection of your reality. Practical scripts and communication strategies for talking with employers, doctors, family members, and insurance providers. How to advocate for the accommodations and support you deserve without feeling like you have to justify your symptoms. Why finding the right support system and challenging your own inner critic can become one of the most powerful parts of your recovery journey. You don't have to convince everyone to believe you—but you do deserve to be heard, supported, and equipped with the tools to navigate a world that can't always see what you're carrying. Let's connect!   Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  7. Jun 8

    EP 121: What If It Isn't Dementia? The Hidden Impact of Falls and Concussion

    Could your elderly patient or loved one be living with a concussion that no one ever diagnosed? Too often, we associate falls in older adults with broken hips or "just getting older," overlooking the possibility of a brain injury. When memory problems, balance issues, or mood changes appear after a fall, they're frequently dismissed as normal aging instead of signs of a treatable concussion. In this episode, we explore why older adults are one of the most overlooked populations in concussion care, how age-related assumptions can delay recovery, and what clinicians and families can do to recognize the signs and advocate for better outcomes. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in older adults—and why concussions are often missed. How concussion symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging or even early dementia. The unique challenges and opportunities for concussion recovery in the aging brain. The simple question every clinician and family member should ask after a fall that could change someone's recovery journey. Whether you're a healthcare provider, caregiver, or someone supporting an aging loved one, this episode will challenge the way you think about falls and empower you to recognize the hidden signs of concussion that deserve attention. Let's connect!   Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  8. Jun 1

    EP 120: Unveiling Triple PD: Insights from Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Dani Tolman

    Have you been told your dizziness is "just anxiety" — and wondered why you still don't feel like yourself months or even years later? Many people living with persistent dizziness make the mistake of assuming they simply have to learn to live with it. That's exactly why vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Danielle Tolman are joining me on the podcast today. Together, we unpack Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3PD), one of the most misunderstood conditions affecting people with chronic dizziness, vestibular disorders, and persistent concussion symptoms. The longer dizziness goes unexplained, the more overwhelming and isolating it can become. Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Danielle Tolman explain why 3PD develops, how the brain can become stuck in a heightened state of threat detection, and why recovery requires more than simply pushing through symptoms. They share practical insights on nervous system regulation, graded exposure, and rebuilding trust in your body so you can regain confidence and get back to the activities that matter most. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: What Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3PD) is and how to recognize its most common symptoms Why concussion, vestibular migraine, BPPV, and other vestibular conditions can contribute to chronic dizziness How Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Danielle Tolman approach treatment by addressing the whole person—not just the diagnosis Why recovery starts with nervous system regulation, education, and the right sequencing of rehabilitation Whether you're a clinician supporting patients with chronic dizziness or someone navigating these symptoms yourself, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of 3PD and renewed hope for recovery. Connect with Dr. Abbie & Dr. Dani: Social media: Instagram: @balancingactrehab Tiktok: @balancingactrehab YouTube: Balancing Act Resources Facebook: Balancing Act Rehab Email: info@balancingactrehab.com   Website:  Balancing Act Rehab The Dizzy Reset™, online program and community Merchandise, including true-to-size inner ear jewelry Let's connect!   Instagram:  @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

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4.7
out of 5
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About

Welcome to The Concussion Nerds Podcast, where we revolutionize concussion care! This show is for passionate clinicians who want to excel in their field, move clients from stuck to excelling, and celebrate life's moments. Join us as we bring you cutting-edge advancements, practical tips, and inspiring success stories. Together, we'll propel concussion care into a new era, blending science with heart and soul. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a fresh face, or an individual on their own healing journey, this podcast is your ultimate resource. Let's build a community that uplifts and empowers one another, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in concussion care. Get ready to laugh, learn, and grow with me, Natasha Wilch, on The Concussion Nerds Podcast!

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