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What if the missing piece in concussion recovery isn’t just the brain—but blood flow to the brain?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nate Keiser to explore how real-time measurement of brain blood flow is changing the way we understand persistent post-concussion symptoms, dysautonomia, and neurological recovery. Using advanced tools like transcranial Doppler ultrasound and CO₂ monitoring, we break down how the brain regulates circulation—and why that system often fails after injury.

We dive into the role of carbon dioxide as a key driver of blood flow, why breathing patterns matter more than you think, and how subtle dysfunctions in these reflexes can leave patients stuck, despite doing “all the right things.”

If you’ve been struggling with dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained crashes after activity, this episode will give you a completely new lens on what may be happening—and what can actually help.

If you’re navigating concussion recovery, dysautonomia, or exercise intolerance, subscribe for part two, share this with someone who feels stuck, and leave a review so more patients can find it.

Dr. Keiser: website

Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359

Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

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Website: lifeafterimpact.com

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.

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In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I sit down with trauma surgeon and researcher Dr. Vishal Bansal to explore what may become the first-ever FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatment for concussion.

Despite how common concussions are, there is currently no approved medical treatment—leaving patients with rest, symptom management, and uncertainty. But what if that’s about to change?

Dr. Bansal shares the fascinating story behind a groundbreaking discovery: a gut-derived hormone called ghrelin, traditionally known as the “hunger hormone,” may play a powerful role in brain repair, neuroplasticity, memory, and recovery after traumatic brain injury .

Together, we explore:

• Why concussion has been so difficult to treat
• The connection between the ghrelin hormone and brain injury
• How ghrelin supports mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes neuron repair
• The potential for a treatment that works in both the acute and subacute phases of concussion
• Why current clinical trials focus on symptoms—not just biomarkers
• The future of concussion care and what this could mean for patients, athletes, and clinicians

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a scientific insight evolves into a potential life-changing therapy—and what it takes to bring a new brain treatment to market.

🔬 About Dr. Vishal Bansal

Dr. Bansal is a trauma surgeon, researcher, and co-founder of Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals. His work focuses on the physiological response to brain injury and developing innovative treatments to improve outcomes after concussion.

Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals: website

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY in Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals: startengine.com

If you or someone you love is struggling with concussion or post-concussion syndrome, this conversation will give you hope, clarity, and a glimpse into the future of recovery.

Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359

Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Website: lifeafterimpact.com

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.

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A “mild” hearing loss sounds harmless until you hear the data: it can raise the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by 200%. I sit down with Dr. Keith Darrow PhD, CCC-A, neuroscientist and clinical audiologist, to connect the dots between hearing loss and brain health and to explain why treating hearing loss shows up again and again as a top modifiable dementia risk factor in major research reviews.

We also get practical about what good care actually looks like. Dr. Darrow breaks down why so many people struggle with speech in background noise, why basic beep-only tests can miss real problems, and how prescription-grade hearing aids differ from over-the-counter devices when you care about outcomes like cognitive performance, fall risk, and tinnitus relief. If you or a loved one has ever seemed “withdrawn” or “down,” we talk through how hearing loss can mimic depression and early cognitive decline and why a thorough evaluation can clarify what’s really going on.

If you’re navigating concussion recovery or traumatic brain injury, this conversation gets even more relevant. We cover extended high-frequency hearing loss after TBI, tinnitus as a neurologic “phantom sound,” anxiety and sleep disruption, and hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) plus how gradual sound exposure can rebuild tolerance. We also touch on emerging tinnitus research, including where transcranial magnetic stimulation stands today.

If this helped you, subscribe for more evidence-based concussion and brain health conversations, share it with someone who keeps saying “I hear fine,” and leave a review so more people can find the show.

Dr. Keith Darrow's Resources and Links:

https://mytinnitusnumber.org/

https://excellenceinaudiology.org/

Free Book: Preventing Decline

Free Book: Silenced. The Medical Treatment of Tinnitus

Dr. Darrow's YouTube Channel

Dr. Darrow LinkedIn

Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359

Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Website: lifeafterimpact.com

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.