Shows
The Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury125. Five Concussion Treatment Directions | Dr. Matheau Denner - Recovery Help & Treating SymptomsJoin us, your host Bella Paige and chiropractic physician Dr. Matheau Denner, as we navigate this complex topic, combining personal experiences with professional perspectives. We delve into the significance of post concussion syndrome and the importance of receiving appropriate treatment, especially when symptoms persist. With Dr. Denner's expertise, we break down the five key areas of treatmentFrom unraveling the mysteries of blood flow dysregulation to discussions around metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal imbalances - we leave no stone unturned. We also highlight the importance of addressing and being evaluated for the five different treatment directions for a...
2023-11-2328 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury124. 10 TIPS for Post Concussion Survivors | Bella Paige - Brain Injury HelpSometimes we don't need conversations we just need advice to help us navigate our own recovery. In this episode listen to 10 post-concussion/brain injury tips selected specially by Bella!You can also WATCH this episode on YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@postconcussioninc?si=0u99GxukakPUS7bmJoin Concussion Connect!https://postconcussioninc.com/concussionconnectFind Show Notes, & More: https://postconcussioninc.com/podcastThe Post Concussion Cookbook!https://www.amazon.com/dp/1738768503PLEASE READ!Please note that The Post Concussion Podcast has been paused/closed...
2023-11-1620 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury123. Life After A Concussion | Benjamin Morton (April, 2022)This conversation isn't just about the physical implications of concussion, but the emotional ones too. We unwrap the stigmatization of antidepressants, the isolation that comes with anxiety, and the deep feelings of loneliness and guilt that sometimes accompany the journey towards recovery. Ben's story is a testament to the power of a strong support system. From anxiety-induced cancellation of social events to the struggle of finding the right treatment, his candor and vulnerability shed light on an often overlooked aspect of living with a concussion. Today, we also talk about Ben’s injury, the different therapies he ha...
2023-11-0928 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury122. Finding Happiness with Post Concussion Syndrome | Bella Paige - Mental Health & HabitsImagine feeling trapped in a dark cloud, with no apparent way out. I've been there, living through the despair of depression. I'm sharing my personal journey with mental health challenges and how I've learned to find joy, even in the darkest of times. I'll be unveiling my strategies that can help you too. From advocating therapy to embracing simple actions like making toast (if you've listened for a long time you may know the toast story well), we're exploring the power of small steps towards happiness.Now, what if I told you that combating mental illness is...
2023-11-0216 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury121. Take A Break From Therapy | Bella Paige - Living With Illness & ConcussionBattling post concussion syndrome has been quite the journey, a winding road filled with challenges and triumphs. As someone who's been there, I, Bella Paige, want to share my experiences navigating the labyrinth of recovery - from managing therapies to assessing progress. Remember, sometimes the greatest therapy is just being 'you' for a while, stepping away from your patient persona, and appreciating your everyday self. Living with post concussion syndrome is not just about managing symptoms, it's about understanding them and acknowledging the multilayered nature of this condition. Together, we'll delve into the complexities of PCS, discussing...
2023-10-2623 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury118. Talking About PCS | Bella Paige - Post Concussion Syndrome/Persistent Concussion Symptoms, & BIG A SURPRISE!Ever felt misunderstood or belittled due to an illness? Many struggle with talking about their diagnosis to others. I dive deep into the psychological implications of naming your illness and how doing so can pave the way to a more understanding and supportive environment. This episode is all about embracing your condition, remembering it doesn't make you weak but reveals your true strength.We've got some fantastic news for you! Our support community, Concussion Connect, has become free and supported by sponsors! We understand that brain injury and concussion survivors may face financial challenges. Concussion C...
2023-10-0514 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury117. She Looks Fine? | Roberta Campbell & Paige Knechtly - Mother & Daughter TBI Survivor RelationshipHave you ever wondered how a traumatic brain injury could reshape your life? Join us as we journey with mother and daughter, Roberta and Paige, through a world turned upside down by Paige's brain injury and the symptoms that followed.Roberta opens up about her journey as a caregiver, transforming her struggles into knowledge as she researched to help her daughter, ultimately penning a book about their experiences; "She Looks Fine." Together, they shed light on this misunderstood condition, offering a beacon of hope to others facing similar challenges.But it doesn't end there; adversity...
2023-09-2830 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury112. Your Questions Answered | Bella Paige - When Concussion Turns Chronic Part 2Last weeks episode #111 on "When Concussion Turns Chronic" raised a lot of questions. During this episode I take the time to answer some of those lingering questions to hopefully bring you some clarity. Will step into the complex world of chronic illnesses associated with post-concussion syndrome such as autoimmune conditions, central sensitization disorders, and POTS. I’ll be sharing my battle tactics against these conditions and how they differentiate from PCS. We’ll explore the vital role of support and resources in dealing with PCS. Plus, share concussion and post-concussion awareness apparel that can help in raising awar...
2023-08-1021 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury111. When Concussion Turns Chronic | Bella Paige - The Unsaid of Chronic IllnessIt starts as one concussion and maybe that's all it takes but for myself (Bella) it took quite a few. Then the symptoms you may know all too well came about such as chronic headaches, crippling fatigue, depression, and more. This part was the longest, or so I thought would be the longest until I recovered. But what if I didn't.I am now in the longest part of my illness journey that I know of because this time I know it's forever. There is no recovery to make, yet I have "recovered" from post-concussion...
2023-08-0319 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury100! A Reflection On The Story Behind The Podcast | Bella Paige100 EPISODES!Your host Bella Paige goes back in time and listens to the first Post Concussion Podcast episode released over two years ago. She gives some reflection on perspectives and things that have changed since then. Bella also shares some of her background and her personal experiences of concussion, talking about the various head injuries she has sustained in her life and their after-effects. She also touches on the relationship between concussions and mental health and how head injuries can lead to problems beyond the physical symptoms. DON'T MISS IT!
2023-04-2727 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury97. Learning to Heal with Bella Paige - Invisible Illness & Concussion RecoveryToday Bella Paige gives us an insight to how she's been feeling lately and all that she's overcome. Advice is given on many things that are often missed in concussion recovery. If anyone understands what it's like to experience life changes from their health it's Bella, make sure you don't miss out on this personal episode! Bella also goes on to share some very exciting aspects of Post Concussion Inc's growth and how you can benefit!!Show Notes, Transcript, & More: https://postconcussioninc.com/podcastThe Post Concussion Cookbook!https://www.amazon...
2023-04-0623 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury92. Improving Your Sleep with Dr. Brigitta Ziemba - Concussion, Medications, & Natural OptionsTrouble falling asleep? Feeling tired all day and awake all night? These are frequent experiences of post-concussion and brain injury survivors. Many lean towards melatonin, so listen in to learn more about why that may not be the best option for you.Join us today for a talk on why your sleep can be affected post-concussion and what you can do about it. We walk through things from sleep habits, sleep medications, and natural options with today's incredible guest Dr. Brigitta Ziemba a board certified Naturopathic Doctor. Follow Dr. Brigitta on IG @naturally_neuro
2023-03-0129 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury87. Lifestyle Adjustments with Robby Lefkowitz - Concussion, Re-injury Fear, & FriendshipsLiving with post-concussion syndrome leaves you with the task of finding a new balance. Bella’s guest today is Robby Lefkowitz, a 27-year-old living in the heart of New York City.Even though his most recent concussion occurred in May 2022, he has set some awesome upcoming goals like running the New York City marathon in 2023 and helping others recover from this awful injury. As you tune into this week’s episode, you’ll hear from Robby about his concussion history, what it’s like to live with PCS, the lifestyle changes he had to make in order to live...
2023-01-1929 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury85. Bella Paige's Backstory - Finding Purpose, & Post Concussion Inc UpdateJoin Concussion Connect our wonderful support community today! https://postconcussioninc.com/concussionconnectWhen a new podcast listener asked our host Bella Paige why she started all this, she realized that it’s been a while since she shared her story and the reason she created this podcast and Post Concussion Inc. After committing to doing just 10 episodes, today on episode 85, Bella reflects on the history of Post Concussion Inc. and what you can expect from it in the future. Tuning in, you’ll hear about what life was like for Bella nine years ago when she was tryin...
2023-01-0520 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury84. Taking Concussions Seriously with Dr. Michael Longyear - Athletes, PTSD, & TipsWhile we are grateful that football has raised awareness for post-concussion recovery, there is a common misconception that only football players suffer from concussions. Joining us today on Post Concussion Inc. is Dr. Michael Longyear to discuss how his personal experience led him to become passionate about helping people who are suffering from post-concussion syndrome.Tuning in, you’ll hear all about a very important aspect of concussion recovery that is often ignored, the importance of supporting a concussion survivor’s mental health, how to notice if they are struggling, why we need to remember to be kind...
2022-12-1527 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury83. The Anniversary of My Life with Bella Paige - Mental Illness, Attempted Suicide, & HelpThere is nothing easy about a tough anniversary. It is even harder when that anniversary involves yourself. Bella steps into talking about her suicide attempt anniversary of four years and the challenges it’s brought on. She also gives some advice on what to do when you feel stuck in that dark hole, (as she often calls it) like MAKE TOAST. Let’s make some toast, sit down and take a listen. Don't forget to take it one day at a time - BellaRemember to skip this one if listening to feelings of de...
2022-12-0822 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury82. The Seasons of Post Concussion Syndrome with Cristabelle Braden - Hormones, Advice, & HopeBrain injuries don’t just happen on the sports field or during car accidents. In fact, falls are the number one cause of brain injuries, and today’s guest, Cristabelle Braden, has suffered from multiple. When Cristabelle’s first TBI occurred 15 years ago while she was playing a game at her church’s youth group, medical professionals knew a lot less about post concussion syndrome than they do now. So, Cristabelle was sent home without all the information she needed, and as a result, she has fallen and hit her head numerous times since the initial incident. Some days just get...
2022-12-0139 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury81. Managing Mental Health in Competitive Sports with Dr. Sarah Pospos - Anxiety, Psychiatry, & ConcussionWhether you are an aspiring, current, or retired athlete, your mental health is something to always prioritize. Dr. Sarah Pospos, a practicing sports psychiatrist and passionate former athlete, understands the complexity that comes with competitive, high-pressure sports. Her goal is to empower athletes, optimize their sporting abilities, balance their lives, and prescribe and manage medication if needed. Dr. Pospos discusses what to expect in a sports psychiatry appointment, how to recognize mental health red flags, coping mechanisms to deal with your time away from sports, and why we need to remember that your mental well-being is just...
2022-11-2327 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury80. Dysautonomia with Dr. Vincent Schaller - Autonomic Dysfunction & ConcussionAre you experiencing unexplainable GI symptoms like IBS? Or do you have unexplained episodes of high heart rates? Then join us on this week’s episode of the Post-Concussion podcast, with our guest Dr. Vincent Schaller. Dr. Schaller is a board-certified physician with over 25 years of experience, he has been a certified impact consultant for over 10 years and is the medical director for the Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance. Dr. Schaller’s careful, complete examinations, combined with his friendly bedside manner have earned him the respect of doctors and the trust of many patients. Join us for another insightful conv...
2022-11-1634 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury79. No Recovery Timeline with Nathalie Pavao - Communication, Family, & ConcussionSharing your experience with those who’ve never had a concussion before can be a source of immense frustration and a breeding ground for anger. Here with us today to reflect on this experience is Nathalie Pavao; wife, mother to four boys, advertising graduate, home hairstylist, and concussion survivor. Our conversation unpacks Nathalie’s experience of the open-ended timeline that an invisible injury like a concussion can have, from her unexpected holiday fall to the effects that her symptoms have had on not only her day-to-day life but her role as a wife and mother too. Don’t miss...
2022-11-1032 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury78. Slowly Healing with Sophia Raquel - Concussion, School, & HopeAdvocating and playing a part in brain injury awareness is such a critical aspect of our healing journeys. As we share our stories, those experiencing similar circumstances can relate, find solace, and their hope may be re-ignited. Our guest on today’s episode is Sophia Raquel, a three-time concussion survivor, and advocate for brain injury awareness. In our conversation today, we hear from Sophia about how her three separate concussions led to different healing experiences, how she decided to go back to school, and she shares tips and advice for those concussion survivors attending college. We also hear about ot...
2022-11-0325 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury77. Playing Sports with George Garbis & Viron Wildy - Football, Heat, & ConcussionMouthguards, can they protect more than just your teeth? With an innate love for sport, Dr. George Garbis and Viron Wildly recognized a need in the football world for more protection. Creating their own mouthguard business, ThermoPact, they are educating on preventative protection and providing mouthguards that are designed not only for impact but for temperature regulation. Dr. Garbis and Viron explain how their mouthguard changes colour according to your body temperature, a huge breakthrough in heatstroke prevention. Make sure you tune in today to hear about the different views on playing sports!Learn more about...
2022-10-2730 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury76. Daily Strategies with TBI.Fitness - Communication & Brain InjuryExercise following a brain injury can be challenging, particularly if we’re comparing our performance to our pre-injury capabilities. Our guest today is the author of the tbi.fitness Instagram account, and, after having sustained a TBI in 2008, she has learned to recognize her triggers and has found an exercise regime that works for her. In this episode, we learn about the strategies that have helped to ease her symptoms, and one of her most helpful in-the-moment brain hacks involving a Bluetooth headset! She shares her approach to working out from planning and keeping it simple, to ha...
2022-10-2025 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury75. The Podcast is Back with Bella Paige - Some Questions Answered, Concussions SuckConcussions suck, let's be real. The podcast is back with Bella Paige and I am so excited for the year to come!Tuning in, you’ll hear Bella break down some of the dilemmas that people with post-concussion syndrome face, along with helpful tips and strategies on how to handle them. She reflects on how she reacts when people try to relate to her post-concussion symptoms and how to respond with honesty and compassion when their good intentions miss the mark. She also discusses the many feelings she experiences when hitting a new...
2022-10-1320 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury74. Post Concussion Mindset with Julie Kuch - Brain Injury, Trauma, & EmotionsDuring today’s discussion, we are joined by Julie Kuch, concussion and stroke survivor, and life coach who has helped hundreds of people to reconnect with their joy and purpose in life after suffering traumatic brain injuries. Join us today to hear how she draws on wisdom from her own story to guide and inspire others who are dealing with the fallout of similar experiences. Listeners will also hear about the power of questioning everything your brain tells you and understanding that sometimes our feelings of anxiety are trying to protect you from a threat that isn’t th...
2022-06-2334 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury73. Personal Identity with Lindsey Cook - Concussion, Pandemic, & SleepNavigating the medical system when you have a concussion is undeniably challenging, but trying to do so within pandemic restrictions is even worse. Today, we are joined by journalist and writer, Lindsey Cook, whose recent article, I Slept Through a Year of the Pandemic, gives a moving account of how she became concussed after she was roofied by a waiter. In our conversation, Lindsey outlines the details of her recovery, what she has learned about how trauma is stored in the body, and why telling your story can help you change the narrative and shift your perspective.
2022-06-1628 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury72. Working on Yourself with Paul Bosworth (Feb 2021) - Speech, & Brain FatigueA very special repeat episode! Thank you Paul for inspiring me to help so many othersJoin your host Bella Paige and brain injury awareness speaker Paul Bosworth! Find out how Paul has overcome some of the most difficult aspects of post-concussion syndrome. Paul opens up about his symptoms and how he’s learned to celebrate his everyday victories over his condition. After discussing the incredible recovery that Paul has experienced due to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, he shares his advice on the benefits of limiting your anger, practicing self-love, and aiming to constantly improve yourself. Tune in to...
2022-06-0941 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury71. Physical or Mental Symptoms? with Bella Paige - Concussion RecoveryWelcome to the Post Concussion Podcast, with Bella Paige, and it's just her on the show today! We're going to talk about a few things today, including overcoming seasonal depression, Concussion Connect, managing chronic fatigue, and the physical versus the mental aspects of brain injuries; a few things Bella has touched on on social media in the last month. Don’t miss out as Bella shares some great tips she implements in her own life to help her overcome winter depression and manage her chronic fatigue. So tune in today for all this, and more!Join
2022-06-0224 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury70. Remaining True to Yourself Post-Concussion with Dr. Cheryl Mitchell - Recovery, & GoalsHave you ever heard of the four Ps of recovery? Plan, pace, place, and prioritize!One of the biggest problems for concussion survivors is the loss of feeling like themselves. Today, we are joined by Dr. Cheryl Mitchell, a physical therapist who specializes in concussions and post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Mitchell suffered for five years after experiencing a concussion and was dissatisfied with the treatment (or lack thereof) that she received at the time. She has made it her mission to educate and treat concussions to ensure that survivors can recover and get back to being themselves as...
2022-05-2631 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury69. Living in a Gray Space with Chaandani Khan - Loss Trauma, & Micro StrugglesFinding the language to describe your feelings after a traumatic event will leave many people at a loss for words. It can be even more difficult when you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury that impacts how you process information. Our guest today, Chaandani Khan, has coined several new terms in her efforts to describe her experiences living with post-concussion syndrome. We discuss the importance of having a support system, as well as some of the strategies one can implement to cope with feelings of overwhelm and how to decrease your cognitive load. Chaandani also shares some of...
2022-05-1933 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury68. Concussion Life Can Be Grim with Lindsay Nohl - Athlete, Anxiety, & StressWelcome back to another episode, where today we welcome to the show, guest Lindsay Nohl. Lindsay is a lifelong athlete, and her initial passion for soccer carried on into her early 20s. After attempts at playing soccer professionally, she dove headfirst into various outdoor sports like rock climbing, canyoning, caving, and more recently, mountain biking. Join us today as we hear from Lindsay about Post-Concussion Syndrome and how finding out she had a brain injury cleared up months of anxiety-ridden experiences. She shares with us about treatments and therapies that helped, and how changing to an anti-inflammatory diet resulted...
2022-05-1235 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury67. The Challenge of Recovering from PCS with Nick Krantz - Concussion, Gut Health, & MeditationOvercoming a concussion injury is a challenge, to put it lightly, and our guest today has overcome 16 paired with two Traumatic Brain Injuries! Nick Krantz is now a holistic brain health coach, and today, he joins us to share his remarkable story of recovery. Nick candidly shares his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts and explains how they are directly related to brain and gut inflammation. Nick truly has been through the thick of it and come out the other side. Tune in to discover the role of diet, movement and meditation in the recovery process, as well as...
2022-05-0533 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury66. The Emotional Side of Concussions with Dr. Greig Andrews - Functional Neurology, Children, & Mental HealthFor many people, the journey to researching and treating post-concussion survivors is a personal one. Dr. Greig Andrews is no different, and today he talks about how his experiences treating athletes and his loved ones led him to the field of functional neurology with a special interest in post-concussion syndrome. Tune in to learn about the link between physical brain injuries and mental health, and how TBIs affect a child's brain. From the biological differences between men and women that predispose women to more severe symptoms, to how toxic masculinity is shaming men into silence about their own struggles...
2022-04-2837 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury65. The Legal Side of Brain Injuries with Jeffrey Moorley - Legal Process, Concussion, & Brain LawThe system that we are a part of is, unfortunately, not victim-focused. Today’s guest, personal injury lawyer Jeff Moorley, knows this better than most, and he has positioned himself on the side of brain injury victims to assist them in getting the help they are so often denied. It is commonly stated that the average concussion survivor takes two weeks, to a few months to get back to 100% function, but we know that many people suffer from post-concussion symptoms for many, many years. Just like there is no quick-fix for post-concussion syndrome, there is no quick-fix on the le...
2022-04-2125 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury64. What Concussion? with Pam Treischel - Guilt, Work, & FamilyWe know our bodies better than anyone else does, and that’s why it’s so important that we advocate for ourselves. Today’s guest, Pam Treischel, is a scuba diver, underwater photographer, and ambassador for the Inland Ocean Coalition who suffered a concussion she had no memory of after the fact. Following the injury, Pam found herself at an all-time low, before being referred to a functional chiropractic neurologist who still works with her to get her in shape to continue her life’s passion, which is diving. Pam shares how her injury has impacted her work and...
2022-04-1435 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury63. Life After A Concussion with Benjamin Morton - Challenges, Therapy, & WorkIf you are living with post-concussion symptoms and experiencing emotional challenges, then today’s episode is for you. The physical and emotional symptoms that people experience after a concussion can be difficult to manage, leaving people feeling emotionally distressed. This was the experience of today’s guest, Benjamin Morton, who went through an immense physical and emotional struggle leaving him feeling alone and hopeless. However, with the support of his friends and family, he was able to persevere and create a new life for himself. Today, we talk about Ben’s injury, the different therapies he has tried...
2022-04-0728 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury62. Athlete's Psychosocial Experience Post Concussion with Dr. Jeff Caron - Isolation, Fear, & IdentityThe physical and cognitive symptoms of sport-related concussions are widely spoken about, but less is known about the psychosocial symptoms that athletes experience post-concussion, which today’s guest believes are equally important. Today, you’ll hear from Dr. Jeff Caron, an assistant professor at the University of Montréal. His research focuses on better understanding the psychosocial aspects of sport-related concussions and seeks to answer two main questions: how can we most effectively share concussion information with members of the sports community? And which psychosocial strategies can assist athletes as they return to sport, school, and daily life? In...
2022-03-3133 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury61. The Neurochemistry Behind Post-Concussion Syndrome with Dr. Michael LovichIf you’re living with post-concussion syndrome and wondering about what’s actually going on in your brain that is making you experience the world differently than you did before your concussion, this episode is for you! Today’s guest is Dr. Michael Lovich, a concussion survivor who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of those struggling with post-concussion syndrome. Michael has tested out numerous different types of therapies, and has built up a wealth of evidence-based knowledge around the most effective treatment strategies. We discuss everything from the importance of nutrition when dealing with post-c...
2022-03-2444 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury60. Changing Your Mindset with Clara Silcock - Concussion RecoveryIn conversation with us today we have Clara Silcock, exercise enthusiast and intestinal failure and nutrition pharmacist working in one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK. Clara suffered a concussion last year with plenty of different symptoms arising ever since. During today’s episode, she tells the story of experiencing a mundane injury with long term consequences, trying plenty of different kinds of treatment, and changing her mindset to better face her changed circumstances. She shares the details of her changed relationship with exercise and work, the challenges she has faced, and the difficulty of for...
2022-03-1725 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury59. Neurodegeneration with Dr. Patricia Walicke - Memory, Dementia, & InflammationThe fear of brain degenerative diseases is a concern that many concussion survivors carry. Joining us today to address this important topic is Dr. Patricia Walicke, who believes that widely available and relatively inexpensive interventions, such as nutrition and natural supplements are key to real-time real-world approaches to maintaining and improving health. Dr. Walicke earned her Ph.D. from the Harvard Department of Neuroscience in 1980 and has nearly 40 years of experience working in university medical centers, private practice, and biotechnology companies, including serving under Dr. Robert Katzman, a pioneer in Alzheimer’s research. While there simp...
2022-03-1042 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury58. The Trauma Behind Concussion with Michaela Olson - PTSD, Brain Injury, & TherapyIn addition to the physical damage that occurs during a concussion or a traumatic brain injury, there are emotional side-effects that can last decades. Talking to us today about the link between brain-based injuries and mental health, is psychotherapist and clinical research associate, Michaela Olson. Tune in to find out how Michaela identified the gap in the medical understanding of concussions and TBI and the treatment of those injuries, and how she moved into clinical mental health counselling to address this gap. We hear why Michaela believes that being educated about the biological root cause of your s...
2022-03-0328 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury57. Helping Your Eyes with Dr. Riyad Khamis - Developmental Optometry, & ConcussionOne of the most common symptoms of post concussion syndrome is visual disturbances. Talking to us today about how to address these symptoms in such a way that the brain is rehabilitated, is doctor of optometry and specialist in vision therapy and neuro visual rehabilitation, Dr. Riyad Khamis. Dr. Riyad breaks down some of the common visual disturbances he sees in those with post concussion syndrome, and how he rehabilitates them. Each case is unique, and we hear how Bella has used tinted lenses to her benefit. Tune in to hear why it’s so dangerous to pu...
2022-02-2435 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury56. The Concussion Mom with Jami Uretsky - Mental Health, New Normal, & FamilyPost-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injuries impact so many more people than just the sufferer. Talking to us today about how she handled the concussion of her 15-year old daughter, is post-concussion advocate Jami Uretsky. Tune in to hear how Jami handled the accident, where she found the inspiration to start blogging, and her realization that this was not going to be a typical injury. We learn about the types of treatment that Jami took her daughter for, and why she feels functional neurology is the key. We discuss how the standard school environment can be overwhelming...
2022-02-1027 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury55. Diagnosing Concussions with Dr. Uzma Samadani - Brain Injury, Scans, & EyesOne of the main contributors to concussions being designated "the invisible injury" is the absence of physical damage observed using traditional visualization techniques, such as CT scans or MRIs. Addressing this issue with us today is Dr. Uzma Samadani, associate professor, attending neurosurgeon, and founder of Oculogica. The mission of Oculogica is to diagnose and classify different types of brain injuries using eye-tracking.Join us today as we dive into how Oculogica is achieving these goals and why FDA approval is such a big achievement. Find out why Dr. Samadani chose to become a neurosurgeon, how the...
2022-02-0229 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury54. Am I Making A Mistake? with Bella Paige - Concussion, Fear, & AthleteMaintaining physical health at the cost of your mental health is no use, so sometimes we just have to take the risk and enjoy ourselves! Bella has been doing this over the last little while and it's opened a whole new can of worms. From her fears and self-doubt while snowboarding, to her sister's rage, today Bella talks us through her thought process around risking yet another concussion. We dive into why there doesn't seem to be an answer to the question "How many concussions is too many?", and how being nervous can negatively affect your performance. Bella describes...
2022-01-2718 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury53. The Concussion Community with Silvie Van de Ree - Concussion & SupportSilvie Van de Ree was on her way home on her scooter when another scooter driver hit her. Initially, all she noticed was the whiplash, so she went home and rested. Fast-forward a year, and Silvie was still suffering from the scooter crash. Through her own research, she established that she was suffering from post concussion syndrome. Join us today as we talk to Silvie about what her symptoms were, how her doctor tried (but failed) to help her, and the various treatments she has done with varying success. We hear why it’s so important to trust yourself wh...
2022-01-2028 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury52. ONE YEAR with Bella Paige - Concussion RecoveryIt's been a stressful, exhausting, exhilarating, and rewarding journey for Bella to get to 52 episodes of the Post Concussion Podcast. Today we hear a recap of the lessons learned, the advice Bella has on continuing one step at a time, and what’s to come in 2022. We find out why Bella needed a break in December, and how she discovered a new hobby that gives her the same joy she felt when entering the ring to show jump. Bella gives some sage advice on how life and post concussion syndrome both have their ups and downs; the im...
2022-01-1319 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury51. Finding the Silver Lining in PCS with Conner Eko - Concussion & DepressionComing to terms with a traumatic brain injury can be hard, but sometimes there’s a silver lining. Today’s guest, Conner Eko found his when his post-concussion syndrome forced him to take time out from his Ph.D. and allowed him to focus on his music (which incidentally helped with his symptoms). Conner talks us through his experiences with concussions growing up, and how the most recent one has affected him. We discuss the various techniques that he and Bella have both found the most useful in managing their symptoms and keeping the boredom at bay, and how Bell...
2022-01-0629 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury50. The Science Behind Your Mental Illness with Hilary Morris - Concussion, PTSD, & TherapyFor many traumatic brain injury survivors, the last person they turn to for help is a therapist. Today we talk to Hilary Morris, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in providing psychotherapy to these very people, to help them find relief from anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. We hear why Hilary chose to specialize in treating this group, and what some of the common psychological symptoms of concussion are. Find out why a concussion is like a snow globe, and how a therapist helped Bella to ground herself after her injury. Hilary breaks down the neurophysiology underlying concussion...
2021-12-3034 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury49. Rehab Your Brain with Your Body with Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn (Sept 2021) - Concussion & MindsetThis episode was originally released September 30th, 2021! Dr. Joyce shares such great insights it seemed like the perfect fit for our last rerun of the year! Doctor and Author Joyce Mikal-Flynn suffered a brain injury in an unusual swimming accident. After experiencing significant aphasia and cognitive delays, a doctor helped her to realize that she needed to rehabilitate her brain!Today Dr. Joyce is a professor in the School of Nursing at California State University, Sacramento. She holds a Doctor of Education from St. Mary's College and a Masters of Science in Nursing at CSUS...
2021-12-2329 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury48. Don't Tell Me I'm Lucky with Tianna Arentz (June 2021) - PTSD, Concussion, & Mental HealthThis episode originally aired June 24, 2021! Due to being repeatedly told that I should be lucky that "I am still here" or that "It could be worse" this seemed very fitting for today! Today's guest Tianna Arentz experienced her first concussion in a snowmobile accident when she was just 15, knocking her unconscious. She then suffered a second concussion in a car accident on her way to vision therapy and since then, she has experienced approximately 13 more concussions with her most recent occurring just a few months ago. She joins us to share her story of the many challenges...
2021-12-1725 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury47. Dizziness with Dr. Matthew Fothergilll (April 2021) - Concussion, Athletes, & Physical TherapyToday's guest Dr. Matthew Fothergill, is a physical therapist who specializes in long-term lifestyle planning for patients who have experienced single or multiple sub-concussive hits. He also works as a personal health consultant and advocates for head injury awareness. Our conversation revolves around dizziness and the variety of ways to explain the feeling. We focus on the importance of the use of words for both patients and medical professionals. Later, we discuss the difficulty of distrusting the medical establishment, especially for older athletes, and how you can empower yourself as a patient, so join us today for a highly i...
2021-12-1037 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury46. The Reality of Mental Health (March, 2021) - Invisible Illness, Depression, & ConcussionLike a brain injury, your mental health is invisible to others and many battling depression often do so in silence!Listen in to this solo episode with your host Bella Paige. Bella explores the reality of mental health while opening up about her experiences of depression. Bella opens our conversation by acknowledging how difficult it is to talk about mental health. She explains the differences in how her depression manifested overtime, and how her mental health affected how she interacted with loved ones. Bella highlights the importance of talking about what you’re going through. As she ex...
2021-12-0223 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury45. Breaking Down Barriers with Jamie Martin - Concussion & Mental HealthFeelings of guilt amongst people with post concussion syndrome are very common; guilt around not participating in events, not being able to take care of their families, not being able to work, and so on. Today on the podcast I’m joined by Jamie Martin, a concussion survivor who knows these guilty feelings all too well, and has some valuable advice to share around the importance of giving yourself grace, setting boundaries, and breaking down the barriers which prevent you from being honest about how you are feeling. Jamie was working full-time and studying when she began to...
2021-11-2537 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury44. Functional Neurology with Dr. Shane Steadman - Concussion RecoveryFor many people the diagnosis of a concussion comes after a quick superficial examination, followed by a merry-go-round of medicationToday’s guest, Dr. Shane Steadman does things differently, and this episode is all about how and why. As a functional neurologist, Dr. Shane tailors his treatment for each patient based on their unique symptoms. He has a toolbox packed with tools for diagnosing and treating people, and argues that you should be wary of practitioners with a single tool. We hear how Bella’s experiences are not so different from other patients he has seen, and why...
2021-11-1829 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury43. Learning Your Limits with Dr. Ashleigh Kennedy - Neurovine, EEG, & ConcussionIn today’s episode, Bella talks to the founder and CEO of Neurovine, Dr. Ashleigh Kennedy. From her own experience as an elite athlete, and as the daughter of a pro-football player, Ashleigh has had first-hand experience with post concussion syndrome and the lack of information that is readily available to clinicians and patients alike. In 2019, she and her husband founded Neurovine, which aims to empower concussion patients by measuring brain health and optimizing their recovery process. From the initial idea of tracking patient recovery data, Neurovine has grown into a powerful tool that has applications to the recovery pr...
2021-11-1119 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury42. Life After Sport with Connor Crisp - Hockey, & ConcussionFor many professional athletes, their sport is their entire life. When tragedy strikes and their health is taken away from them, it is often a struggle to adjust to the new normal. Today’s guest is Connor Crisp, retired hockey player, post-concussion sufferer, and now real-estate agent. Connor's choice to retire was a result of multiple concussions that culminated in him missing an entire season. While struggling with post-concussion syndrome, he decided to leave the sport (a decision he appreciates to this day).We hear from both Connor and Bella about how they realized that th...
2021-11-0422 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury41. A Delayed Diagnosis with Stephanie Kurland - Concussion, Anxiety, & Noise SensitivityTrying to find the ‘why’ of why you feel a certain way can lead you down a lot of different paths. Today’s guest Stephanie Kurland has been living with chronic pain for about 14 years due to childhood head injuries, four car wrecks, a trampoline accident, and 23 years of headbanging at heavy metal concerts, but she was only officially diagnosed with TBI and PCS two years ago. Her constant daily managing of symptoms has taken her on a long journey of self discovery. She’s dug deep and expressed her feelings through art therapy, Reiki, and years of resear...
2021-10-2824 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury40. A Dream Recovery with Melanie Wienhoven - Concussion, & CareerOn today’s episode, we are visited by Melanie Wienhoven, a fully-recovered post concussion patient who. She is here to share her story of how six years of research and therapy led to a full recovery, and how she has dedicated her career to showing others that they can too. Tune in to hear the story of how she was initially injured and misdiagnosed, and why she believed her doctors even though she was flabbergasted by what they had to say. Finding behavioral rehab was a pivotal moment in her journey, and she shares how, along with ho...
2021-10-2127 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury39. The Benefits of Speech Therapy with Hilary Booco - Concussion, Brain Injury, & LanguageIt can be immensely frustrating to want to have a conversation but not be able to find the right word or fail to even get the words out fast enough. But all is not lost, if you can work towards getting your point across, you’ve communicated! Today’s guest is speech therapist Hilary Booco. Hilary has a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology from George Washington University. She has spent her career focused on treating neurological issues including post-concussion syndrome, dementia, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. In our conversation today we cover what a speech language pathologist does...
2021-10-1426 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury38. Identity, Mental Health, & Recovery with Bella Paige - Post Concussion LifeSo much of what concussion, and brain injury survivors experience, is invisible. While the physical symptoms of a TBI and post-concussion syndrome can be debilitating and difficult to live with, the invisibility of the injury can contribute to, and worsen, feelings of isolation and depression. In today’s show, Bella unpacks what she has learned from living with an invisible injury, and shares what she wishes she had known during her recovery. Bella reflects on how her identity was changed by being a concussion survivor, how she became attached to that identity, and interrogates the work she has...
2021-10-0720 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury37. Rehab Your Brain with Your Body with Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn - Concussion & MindsetDoctor and Author Joyce Mikal-Flynn suffered a brain injury in an unusual swimming accident. After experiencing significant aphasia and cognitive delays, a doctor helped her to realize that she needed to rehabilitate her brain!Today Dr. Joyce is a professor in the School of Nursing at California State University, Sacramento. She holds a Doctor of Education from St. Mary's College and a Masters of Science in Nursing at CSUS, focusing on trauma-informed care with an emphasis on building resilience and posttraumatic growth. She developed the word “metahabilitation” to describe a more optimistic and productive outcome in the afte...
2021-09-3029 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury36. Family Matters Part 2 with Heidi & Braden Ulvild - ConcussionIn our previous episode, we spoke to Richard Ulvild who suffered a concussion four years ago in a serious car accident. Together with his wife Corinna, the couple shared the story of Richard’s mental and physical recovery and the support they received from their family. Today we are joined by Braden and Heidi Ulvild, Rich’s adult kids, to hear their experience of living with a parent who is suffering from a concussion. Tuning in you’ll discover what it felt like for Braden and Heidi when their dad didn’t seem to be recovering and how it a...
2021-09-2226 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury35. Family Matters with Rich & Corinna Ulvild - Parenting, Relationships, & ConcussionFour years ago, Richard Ulvild found himself recovering both physically and mentally from a concussion that had resulted from a serious car accident. It was a new reality, one they had he had never faced before, and his road to recovery was an uncertain one. What significantly helped him along the way was sharing his struggles with others, as well as listening to the stories of how others had faced the same reality and succeeded in their own recovery. In today’s episode, Rich and his wife, Corinna, open up about the uncertainty they felt following Rich’s accident and...
2021-09-1627 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury34. You Can't Erase the Past with Madison Thacker - Concussion, School, & SoccerDealing with the physical challenges you may face as the result of a head injury is one thing, grieving who you were before your injury is another. Today we talk to Madison Thacker who was a passionate soccer player in high school until her third concussion ended her career. Her injuries inspired her to chase a career in journalism in order to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles of injured athletes, especially those who have suffered concussions. We discuss what it’s like for brain-injury survivors to grieve the people we were before the injury, how...
2021-09-0925 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury33. Staying in the Moment with Author Diane Grimard Wilson - Brain Injury, & NeurofeedbackFor many of us who have suffered brain injuries, overcoming the feeling of wanting to be who you were before your concussion can be a real challenge and strain on your mental health. Today’s guest Diane Grimard Wilson has discovered that the best way to deal with this is to stay in the moment. Diane is a peak performance coach, a licensed clinical professional counselor, and has a board certification as a fellow in neurofeedback. Tuning in today, you’ll hear about the role of benchmarking to assess your capabilities and track your progress, how neurofeedback made...
2021-09-0223 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury32. Step into High School with Madison Isaac - Concussion, & RecoverySometimes concussions seem to heal quickly. Other times the situation can be very different, like with today’s guest Madison Isaac. Once her headache started, it stayed. So how does one go through school with a daily headache? Listen in today to hear about how this inspiring young individual keeps her head up while facing concussion challenges and going to school!Join our support community Concussion Connect!! It is exactly what Bella needed in her recovery, https://postconcussioninc.com/concussionconnectFind Show Notes, & More: https://postconcussioninc.com/podcastSupport the...
2021-08-2628 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury31. Concussion Advice from 30 Guests - Brain Injury, & Mental HealthToday's episode is a special episode due to the excitement of reaching 30 episodes! This episode is a combination of all 30 guests and your host Bella Paige's favourite advice from each of them.Don't miss out on this special episode full of great advice! Join our support community Concussion Connect!! It is exactly what Bella needed in her recovery, https://postconcussioninc.com/concussionconnectFind Show Notes, & More: https://postconcussioninc.com/podcastSupport the Podcast! If you love the podcast please consider supporting us through our tip jar! A...
2021-08-1924 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury30. Look at the View with Jamie MoCrazy - Brain Injury, Motivation, & Goals“Jamie is never going to live independently, she’s never going to recover fully, she won’t ski again, she probably won’t even walk again.” This is what doctors told the family of skier Jamie MoCrazy who suffered a life-threatening brain injury while performing a double flat spin during the 2015 World Tour Finals. Jamie was in a coma for 10 days. When she woke up, she suffered from amnesia and the right side of her body was paralyzed. After her miraculous recovery, Jamie became a motivational speaker and made it her mission to help others recover from unexpected trauma, overcome a...
2021-08-1230 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury29. Brain Workout with Joshua Campbell & Dianne Solano - Inflammation, & Cognitive HealthWe are always reminded that we need to be getting the right nutrition, exercising, getting enough sleep, and doing things to aid our physical health, but what about our cognitive health? Today we are joined by Joshua Campbell and Dianne Solano to discuss their unique six-minute-a-day brain workout program CTS90. Josh is a forensic investigator and cognition coach, who focuses on the metrics in brain behavior and advancements using natural strategies. Josh and his team of brain experts specialize in brain rehabilitation and optimization, giving enhanced performance and recovery. Dianne is a registered orthomolecular nutritional c...
2021-08-0526 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury28. Learning to Just Flow with Sara Stein - Car Accident, Fitness, & ParentingOnce you have experienced a concussion, it’s often hard to plan ahead. You can’t always foresee what will trigger the onset of symptoms and it can leave you feeling out of control. Today’s guest Sara Stein joins us to talk about finding your flow post-concussion. Sara was a very physically active, extroverted mom of two before she suffered her third concussion in a serious car accident and started to feel the effects of post-concussion syndrome. Today she shares her journey and the methods that have helped her deal with her symptoms. Tuning in you...
2021-07-2926 minThe Post Concussion Podcast - Life After A Brain Injury27. Personality Shift with Eva Shaw - Self-care, Concussion, & CommunityThe role of community in healing is essential. Our guest, Eva Shaw, has found comfort and validation in both the digital and in-person community on her journey of recovery. In today’s episode, she shares her history of multiple concussions and tells us about the various tools and structures that she has found beneficial along the way. She goes on to tell us about the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive repercussions of her injuries on her daily life. We dive into the effect of the injuries on Eva’s mental health and how hearing the stories of simil...
2021-07-2225 min