Brain Fog, Anxiety & Going Back to Work: Real Concussion Recovery Q&A - Episode 40

Can't Sleep After a Concussion? These 3 Tips Actually Work

Episode 45 Nikki Fraser sits down with Dr. Paul Hrkal, ND, to unpack one of the most common and frustrating symptoms after a concussion: sleep disruption. If you've been lying awake at 3am wondering why your brain just won't settle, this episode is for you. You are not alone, and there are real answers here. What You'll Learn: Why up to 70% of people experience sleep disruption after a concussion, including how circadian rhythm, inflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalance all play a role The truth about the old advice to wake someone up every 30 minutes after a concussion (and when it actually does and doesn't apply) How different sleep disorders (insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep apnea) require different approaches to treatment Why napping can help in the acute phase but may work against you in PCS recovery Sleep hygiene essentials: darkness, cool temperature, managing noise, screen use and blue light exposure Why stomach sleeping is the worst position, and how side sleeping supports your brain's glymphatic system (its overnight detox process) The top 3 free things you can do right now to start improving your sleep: optimize your sleep environment, get natural light during the day, and regulate your nervous system before bed Why sleep medications should be a last resort, not a first step, and the risks of long-term use How to start a sleep journal to track what's helping and what's hurting Key Takeaways: Start with one thing. You do not have to do it all at once. Build slowly, one habit at a time, just like recovery itself. [2] Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about more valuable content on concussion recovery! Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/] Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/] Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx [https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx] Remember, these insights are not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io

Can a Concussion Cause Intermittent Paralysis? What PCS Sufferers Need to Know

Episode 44 This week's episode dives into one of the most complex questions we've received from our community: Can a concussion cause intermittent paralysis? A member of the Concussion Fix program shared their experience, a TBI followed by recurring episodes of losing motor function in their legs, triggered by cognitive overload and stress. No pain, no clear diagnosis, despite an ICU admission, spinal and brain MRIs, and an fMRI. Usually lasting a few weeks until they push through and can walk or even jog again, until the next episode. In this episode, Dr. Marshall, Dr. Hrkal, and Melinda discuss: Why paralysis is not a typical concussion symptom, and what to rule out first The neurological workup you should seek if you're experiencing unusual symptoms What Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is, and why it came up in this discussion The difference between concussion causing a symptom vs. concussion as a system stressor How chronic stress, cognitive overload, and pre-existing conditions can amplify and manifest as neurological symptoms after a concussion The concept of parasympathetic shutdown (freeze response) and how it may play a role Why PCS is really a reflection of your overall health going into the injury How other stressors (Long COVID, mould, trauma, grief) can produce the same PCS-like symptoms Why shifting the mindset, from "my brain is damaged" to "my systems are dysregulated," is key to recovery Key takeaway: A concussion doesn't directly cause paralysis. But the nervous system dysregulation, chronic stress cycle, and predisposing factors that follow a concussion can sometimes manifest in complex and unexpected ways. Always rule out serious neurological causes first, and then explore the whole-person picture. Please note: The Concussion Fix team are not your primary healthcare providers. Nothing discussed in this episode or in these show notes constitutes medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. We are sharing a general discussion based on a question asked by a community member, with limited information available to us. Every person's situation is unique, and we strongly encourage you to work with your own qualified healthcare team for anything related to your personal health. Always seek professional medical advice before making any changes to your care. Remember, recovery is possible. You are not alone. 💚 Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://www.concussionfix.com/ Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about more valuable content on concussion recovery! Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/] Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/] Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx [https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx] Remember, these insights are not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io

The Gut-Brain Connection: How IBS & SIBO Affect Concussion Recovery

Episode 43 Did you know your gut is disrupted within 3 hours of a concussion? If you're dealing with persistent concussion symptoms, brain fog, bloating, food sensitivities, constipation, or diarrhea, your gut health may be the missing piece of your recovery. In this episode, Nikki Fraser and Dr. Paul Hrkal break down the powerful gut-brain connection and why healing your gut may be the key to finally recovering from post-concussion syndrome (PCS). 🧠 In This Episode You'll Learn: - Why concussion disrupts the gut-brain axis within hours of injury, and what that means for your recovery - The difference between normal post-concussion gut symptoms (first 14–20 days) and chronic dysbiosis that needs treatment - What SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IBS have to do with persistent concussion symptoms - Why taking probiotics too early can actually make your symptoms worse - The 4R Protocol: a step-by-step functional medicine framework to restore your gut after concussion - Which foods are silently feeding harmful gut bacteria and stalling your brain recovery - Why one-third of concussion patients experience dramatic brain fog improvement from diet changes alone Red flags that signal you need a professional gut workup 🔑 Key Takeaways: Gut permeability increases within 3 hours of a concussion. The gut-brain connection is disrupted from day one The 4R Protocol (Remove → Replace → Re-inoculate → Repair) must be followed in sequence for best results Persistent gut symptoms months after concussion, especially if diet and probiotics haven't helped, are a red flag for SIBO or dysbiosis requiring professional assessment 📌 The 4R Protocol at a Glance: Remove: Antimicrobial herbs (berberine, oregano oil, echinacea) Replace: Digestive enzymes, herbal bitters, bile salts Re-inoculate: Prebiotics & probiotics (only after steps 1 & 2) Repair: Glutamine, aloe vera, marshmallow root, omega-3s 🚩 Red Flags - Talk to a Professional If: Gut symptoms have never normalized since your concussion Pre-existing IBS or gut issues significantly worsened after injury New symptoms appeared months into recovery You've tried diet changes and probiotics with no improvement 💬 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone still searching for answers after their concussion. Recovery is possible. You are not alone. 💚 Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://www.concussionfix.com/ Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about more valuable content on concussion recovery! Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/] Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/] Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx [https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx] Remember, these insights are not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io

Should You Take Advil Or Tylenol For Post-Concussion Symptoms?

Episode 42 This week’s podcast episode addresses whether Tylenol and Advil should be used during Persistent Concussion Syndrome (PCS) recovery.  Key Points: Tylenol depletes glutathione, a crucial neuroprotective substance, especially at higher doses approaching 4g/day  Advil increases gut permeability within hours, creating more inflammation and potentially worsening the underlying inflammatory response post-concussion  Rebound headaches develop from consistent use, making it difficult to distinguish between actual concussion symptoms and withdrawal symptoms  Both medications mask symptoms rather than treating underlying causes  Alternative Approaches Recommended Immediate interventions: Neck treatment is identified as the #1 alternative, as most PCS headaches are cervicogenic (neck-related) and can be reproduced by palpating specific muscles  Controlled exercise right after a concussion, contrary to the outdated "dark room rest" advice  Heat therapy and light walking to warm tissues and increase blood flow, particularly effective for myofascial headaches  Nutritional support: Mediterranean-style diet rich in omega-3s and anti-inflammatory foods, eliminating ultra-processed foods, high-glycemic carbohydrates, and alcohol  Migraines are frequently overdiagnosed because the medical system emphasizes pharmacotherapy over manual therapy options  Cervicogenic vs. migraine differentiation: True migraines don't respond to Tylenol/Advil, aren't reproduced by neck palpation, and often have auras or specific triggers (stress, weather, hormones, foods)  Referral patterns matter: Suboccipital muscles refer pain to the forehead and behind the eye; SCM refers to the face, forehead, and jaw  Standard medical assessment often stops at "does neck movement increase pain?" without proper palpation of trigger points  Main conclusion:  These medications can help acutely but create long-term problems, including glutathione depletion, rebound headaches, and gut dysfunction when used chronically.  Recovery is possible. You are not alone. 💚 Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://www.concussionfix.com/ Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io Studies to learn more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36107402/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34330088/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41622533/ Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about more valuable content on concussion recovery! Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/] Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/] Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx [https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx] Remember, these insights are not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io

Inside Concussion Fix: Who We Are, What We Teach, and How We Help You Recover

Season 2 Episode 41 In this origins episode, Community Success Manager Nikki sits down with the three founders of the Concussion Fix program; Dr. Cameron Marshall (Sports Specialist Chiropractor), Melinda Krynen Hill (Licensed Therapist), and Dr. Paul Hrkal (Naturopathic Doctor), to share how and why the program was created, what makes it different from traditional concussion rehab, and the exciting results from their ongoing research study. Key Topics Discussed How the Concussion Fix program was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when clinics shut down, and patients still needed support The "Concussion Care Maze": why people get stuck cycling through treatments that don't address root causes The Concussion Fix Recovery Pyramid: building the foundation before rehab Mindset & nervous system regulation Feeling safe & resilient Inflammation, gut health, hormones & diet Visual/vestibular rehab & neck therapy Why traditional rehab often fails: rehab won't stick if foundational issues like inflammation, anxiety, and autonomic dysregulation haven't been addressed first Concussion Fix 2.0: the updated program launched in Summer 2025, now running as a formal research study Real data from 6,650 participants: most start with severe symptoms and reach near-normal within 100–120 days What's included in the program: practical strategies to use at home, sleep hygiene guides, vagus nerve exercises, meal plans, diet diaries, hormone testing letters for doctors, and community support   Key Takeaways PCS is not permanent. No matter what you've been told, there is no evidence that recovery stops at any point in time. The foundation must come first. Mental health, autonomic regulation, inflammation, gut health, and hormones must be addressed before physical rehab. You don't need expensive treatments. Recovery is built on lifestyle modifications you can do from home. Persistent symptoms are often no longer brain-related. Issues like neck dysfunction, diet, and anxiety are frequently the true drivers. You already have everything within you to recover. The program gives you the knowledge and tools to unlock it. 50% symptom reduction in just 30 days is the average for participants, even those suffering for years. Links & Resources Mentioned 🌐 Concussion Fix Program: www.concussionfix.com 📧 Submit your questions for the podcast: cam@concussiondoc.io Recovery is possible. You are not alone. 💚 Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://www.concussionfix.com/ Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about more valuable content on concussion recovery! Learn more about the Concussion Fix program for PCS - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/the-concussion-fix/] Hear what people are saying about the Concussion Fix Program - https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/ [https://concussiondoc.io/offer/love-page/] Take part in one of our free 90-minute patient workshops to learn how you can conquer your PCS - https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx [https://webinar.concussiondoc.io/s/qMKYfx] Remember, these insights are not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Intro song credit - I Feel Good - All Good Folks, Orfium (Hexacorp Ltd.)- downloaded from Uppbeat.io