Mind Matters: Navigating Head Injuries and Concussions

Trouble sleeping after a concussion or head injury? Waking up at 3AM, feeling dizzy, or constantly exhausted? In this episode, we explore how traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect circadian rhythms, cause sleep disturbances, and lead to common but misunderstood symptoms like vertigo and insomnia. Learn what doctors often miss, how to ask the right questions, and what strategies might help you or your loved ones finally get restful...

What happens when a stroke is misdiagnosed not once, but twice—and it changes everything? In this powerful episode of Mind Matters, we talk to a brain injury specialist whose personal health crisis shifted his entire approach to diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and invisible neurological damage.

Discover why most ER tests miss mild TBIs, how eye tracking reveals brain trauma, and how inflammation...

Welcome to another episode of Mind Matters, where we explore the real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating head injuries and concussions. In today’s conversation, we dive deep into the journey of finding acceptance after a traumatic brain injury, embracing a new identity, and building a strong support network. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode offers practical insights, emotional r...

Welcome to Mind Matters, where we explore powerful stories and expert insights on navigating head injuries and concussions. In this episode, we hear from a traumatic brain injury survivor whose life was forever changed after a devastating car crash in 2008. Despite facing double vision, neuro fatigue, and cognitive challenges, she has become a passionate advocate for brain injury awareness and recovery. Discover her personal journe...

Imagine living for over a decade with symptoms no one could explain—until one moment changed everything. In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality of a traumatic brain injury that went undiagnosed for 11 years. You'll hear how invisible symptoms were overlooked, why traditional scans missed the damage, and how one survivor finally found the right help. If you've ever questioned a diagnosis, this conversation is a must-w...

In this episode of Mind Matter, we explore how stress, trauma, and emotional health impact brain function, particularly in relation to Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Learn how psychotherapy and physical therapy can help rewire the brain and reduce symptoms like functional seizures, paralysis, and anxiety. We discuss evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the role of the amygdala in stress respon...

In this episode of Mind Matters, legal nurse consultant Kiley Como sits down with neurologist Dr. Mackenzie "Z" Lerario to break down Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — a misunderstood brain condition often misdiagnosed or overlooked.

Dr. Lerario explains:

✅ What FND is and how it differs from stroke or epilepsy

✅ Why normal brain scans don’t rule out real symptoms

✅ The role of stress, trauma, and attention in FND

✅ Why many doc...

Most people have never heard of the brain’s lymphatic system—but it could be the missing piece in understanding concussion recovery, brain fog, and even Alzheimer’s. In this episode of Mind Matters, we dive into how your brain removes toxic waste during sleep, why that process breaks down after a traumatic brain injury, and what you can do to support your brain’s natural detox system through sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

In Pain? ...

If you've ever experienced brain fog, sleep issues, or mood changes after a concussion, you're not alone—and there's a scientific reason behind it. In this episode, we explore how concussions affect the brain’s ability to heal, the role of neurogenesis in memory and emotion, and why symptoms can linger for weeks. Plus, we uncover the surprising connection between popcorn and your brain’s recovery process. Don’t miss this fascinatin...

If you’ve ever wondered how trauma can leave lasting scars on the brain and body—long after the injuries fade—this episode is for you. We’re exploring the hidden effects of brain injuries, memory gaps, and the misdiagnoses that too many survivors face. Learn why trauma-informed care matters, how first responders and legal systems can do better, and what true recovery really looks like from the inside out.

In Pain? Call Shane!

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Unresolved trauma doesn’t just live in your mind—it reshapes your brain, disrupts your body, and hides behind chronic illnesses like fatigue, brain fog, and pain. In this episode, we expose how childhood trauma and emotional wounds can silently drive autoimmune disorders, anxiety, and even heart disease. If you’ve ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by symptoms no doctor can explain, this conversation will help connect...

Imagine waking up and not remembering your wedding day—or even your kids' names. That’s the reality Tiffani faces every day after a traumatic brain injury changed her life forever. In this video, she opens up about memory loss, unexpected seizures, and the challenges of rebuilding her identity. Her story is raw, powerful, and one you won’t forget. Stay tuned to hear what life with a TBI really looks like.

00:00:00 Tiffany's Memory a...

After a traumatic brain injury, knowing what to expect can be just as important as the treatment itself. In this video, Kiley Como sits down with Dr. Erik Reis to break down the realities of TBI recovery—from why every brain heals differently to how sleep, trust, and communication shape the healing process. Whether you're a patient or a loved one, this conversation will change how you think about recovery.

The Neural Connection – Dr...

In this episode of Mind Matters, we're diving into the personal journey of Tiffani Netter, a survivor of traumatic brain injury. Tiffani shares her powerful story of surviving a car accident, the challenges she faced in the aftermath, and the steps she took toward healing. From dealing with memory loss and seizures to the support of a service dog, Tiffani's experience sheds light on the complex reality of living with a brain injury...

Brain injuries from domestic violence often go unnoticed, leaving survivors to navigate hidden trauma alone. Today, we’re diving deep into the intersection of trauma, domestic violence, and brain injury. If you missed our first discussion, be sure to check it out. We're unpacking the challenges survivors face—from medical misdiagnosis to legal barriers—and what can be done to support them. Let’s get into it.

In Pain? Call Shane!

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In today’s episode, we dive deeper into the complex world of post-traumatic headaches and migraines. From triptans to the emerging CGRP medications, we explore both abortive and preventative treatment options, including those used off-label. We also tackle the challenges of achieving FDA approval and the importance of understanding headache phenotypes. If you or someone you know suffers from head injuries, this conversation could b...

Head injuries can be life-altering, and one of the most common—and often misunderstood—symptoms is the post-traumatic headache. Today, we're diving into what makes these headaches so complex, how they’re classified, and why understanding their unique presentations is key to effective treatment. We’ll also explore how factors like sleep issues, anxiety, and depression can complicate recovery. Stick around—we’re breaking it all down ...

Head injuries and concussions can turn lives upside down—but knowledge is power. I'm Kiley Como, legal nurse consultant at Shane Smith Law, and today, I’m joined by Paula Walters, founder of The Courageous Survivor. Paula’s journey from trauma to triumph is nothing short of incredible. From near-fatal experiences to reclaiming her life, her story will inspire and educate. Let’s dive into this powerful conversation.

Follow Paula Walt...

Today, we're diving deep into the science of concussions and brain health with Dr. Bashuk from the Concussion Center in Atlanta, Georgia. In part two of our discussion, we’re exploring how neurogenesis—the brain's ability to create new neurons—affects recovery, memory, and even mental health. What helps or hurts this process? And how does it relate to concussion recovery? Let’s break it all down.

Concussion Center: https://concussio...