Concussions, Mental Health & Real Recovery: Autonomic Nervous System, Brain Inflammation, and Functional Neurology with Dr. Ayla Wolf

Concussions don’t always show up on scans—but they can reshape mood, sleep, focus, and quality of life. In this direct conversation on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Dr. Ayla Wolf—acupuncturist, funct/ional neurology practitioner, and author of The Concussion Breakthrough—explains why many post-concussion symptoms are missed, how autonomic nervous system dysregulation drives anxiety, and why brain inflammation is a crucial, often misunderstood piece. We cover practical, non-pharmaceutical strategies (vision–vestibular rehab, targeted drills, acupuncture, clean nutrition, toxin reduction) and how to track progress with clear, objective markers. If you or someone you love has “mystery” brain fog, dizziness, or mood shifts after a head impact, this episode is a grounded roadmap to smarter recovery. Guest: Dr. Ayla Wolf

About the Guest :

Dr. Ayla Wolf is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, founder of Healing Response: Acupuncture & Functional Neurology, host of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, and author of the 600-page guide The Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces to Recovery. She blends science and integrative care to help patients resolve complex, lingering effects of head injury.

Key Takeaways:

• Concussions are often invisible injuries. Many never receive a formal diagnosis; symptoms like anxiety, depression, brain fog, and sleep issues may surface months later.

• Standard scans can miss functional problems. ER CTs rule out bleeds and fractures but don’t diagnose concussion or dysautonomia.

• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation is central. Imbalances in sympathetic/parasympathetic tone can show up as racing heart, sweating, overwhelm, and heightened stress reactivity.

• Brain inflammation is misunderstood. It can be regional (not “whole brain”), influenced by diet, toxins, and lifestyle; medicine lacks a single “blockbuster” drug solution.

• Assessment must be individualized. No one-size protocol—patients present with different blends of neck/vestibular/ocular/cognitive issues.

• Use objective markers to track progress. Balance tests, eye-movement integrity, and positional challenges help verify whether therapies are working.

• Therapy can be creative and multimodal. Vision–vestibular drills, targeted movement, cervical care, and acupuncture can modulate blood flow, immune activity, and attention networks.

• Lifestyle matters. Whole foods, clean water, toxin reduction, and sleep hygiene lower neuroinflammatory load and support recovery.

• Multiple concussions compound risk. Early “compensations” can fail after later hits, worsening symptoms and extending recovery timelines.

• Validation is therapeutic. Clear exams plus education help patients feel believed—and engaged—in their healing plan.

Connect with the Guest

• Website & resources: LifeAfterImpact.com

• Email: lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

• Instagram: @LifeAfterImpact

• Podcast: Life After Impact on Apple, YouTube, Spotify, and major platforms

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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