Dr. Brewer brings his expertise as a neuro-optometrist to explain how visual processing problems are often overlooked in concussion recovery despite causing significant symptoms. He shares insights on integrating visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems to create lasting improvements for patients with post-concussion syndrome.

• 20/20 vision only measures clarity, not eye tracking or binocular function
• Many post-concussion symptoms stem from poor integration between sensory systems
• Light sensitivity can come from multiple causes including dry eyes
• Cervical (neck) issues can cause visual problems and vice versa
• Too many sensory errors overwhelm the cerebellum, causing fatigue and emotional dysregulation
• Standard vision therapy exercises can worsen symptoms if they don't address the right problems
• Peripheral vision processing often becomes impaired after concussion
• The brain's ability to filter information is compromised, creating sensory overload
• Integrating multiple sensory systems creates more significant improvement than treating each in isolation

You can find Dr. Brewer at Diverge Performance in Boise, Idaho, or online at divergeperformance.com.

Instagram: @divergeperformance

Send us a text

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

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

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.

Dr. Michelle Morrissey of the Morrissey Institute explains how she has adapted EMDR therapy to safely and effectively treat patients with concussions and brain injuries. She details the eight phases of EMDR treatment and shares her approach of clearing small traumas first to create capacity for healing bigger ones.

• Dr. Morrissey has 20+ years of experience as a trauma-informed mental health professional specializing in EMDR therapy.
• Traditional EMDR with fast eye movements are not indicated for people with brain injuries, but there are ways to adapt the therapy.
• Adaptations include slowing bilateral stimulation to match brain oscillation speeds (0.75-1.5 Hz).
• Alternative forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation are safer than eye movements.
• Using "small-T" trauma processing before addressing bigger traumas creates more capacity for healing.
• The brain after injury operates at different oscillation speeds compared to an uninjured brain.
• Depression from brain injury may not respond to antidepressants because of neurological differences.
• Improved diagnostics like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can now show neural disorganization after concussion.
• EMDR improves sleep, mood, cognitive function, and even physical symptoms like hyperacusis and dizziness.
• Telemedicine EMDR is effective and accessible

If you're interested in finding an EMDR therapist trained in Dr. Morrissey's specialized approach for brain injuries, contact the Morrissey Institute directly for referrals in your area.

Links for Dr. Michelle Morrissey:

The Morrissey Institute Website: https://www.themorrisseyinstitute.com/

Questions to ask Prospective EMDR Therapists: Watch Video
The Morrissey Institute YouTube Channel

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website

Send us a text

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

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

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.

Dr. Ayla Wolf and Dr. Tatiana Habanova discuss the neuroendocrine changes post-concussion, particularly the impact on thyroid and adrenal function. Dr. Habanova explains that hypothyroidism often results from pituitary dysfunction rather than direct thyroid issues. She emphasizes the importance of assessing hormone levels immediately post-concussion or after a few weeks. They highlight the need for regular re-evaluation of thyroid medication dosage as the brain heals. Dr. Habanova also advocates for annual brain health assessments to monitor cognitive function and overall brain health, stressing the importance of early intervention and comprehensive neurological evaluations.

• New research shows even mild concussions can cause significant hormonal changes
• Pituitary dysfunction creates a downstream effect on thyroid, adrenal, and other systems
• Thyroid medication needs may change frequently during concussion recovery
• Thyroid symptoms often overlap with dysautonomia symptoms, complicating diagnosis
• Cortisol rhythm disruptions explain afternoon energy crashes in concussion patients

• Annual brain health assessments should become as routine as dental checkups
• People with mild cognitive changes often "shrink their world" without realizing it
• Cognitive testing isn't about measuring intelligence but identifying functional changes
• Tracking symptoms and biomarkers empowers patients in their recovery journey
• Addressing toxins and environmental factors that burden the endocrine system is essential

Please subscribe to our show so you don't miss an episode and, as always, you can email us questions at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com or send us a text by clicking on the text us link in the show notes.

Send us a text

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

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

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.