APEX Brain Centers

Case Study: Severe Metabolic, Neurological, and Cognitive Dysfunction

History: B.M. is a 52 y.o. male with a history of hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar), borderline hyperlipidemia (elevated blood fats), excessive weight gain, fatigue, numbness in both feet, dairy intolerance, depression, cognitive struggles, osteoarthritis, and gout. Evaluation and laboratory analysis was performed approximately 4 years prior to evaluation at APEX Bran Centers in August of 2013 Worsening symptoms and rapidly declining health forced him to seek drastic change before it was too late.

Evaluation: August 2013 – B.M. measured 5’ 8” tall and weighed in excess of 250 pounds. His blood pressure was 148/78 and his heart rate was recorded at 82 beats per minute. Salivary pH was 6.0. Upon re-assessment in late 2013, B.M. was weighing in at just under 200 pounds with reductions in blood pressure and heart rate noted as well. See below for the full listing of abnormal laboratory tests and their comparative measurements taken just over 2 months after beginning an intensive metabolic recovery program. All critical laboratory values are highlighted.

Laboratory Test Normal Range 1st Test – 8/28/13 2nd Test – 11/4/13
Serum glucose: 65-99 mg/dL 252 89
Hemoglobin A1c: 4.8-5.6% 9.9 6.4
Insulin: 2.6-24.9 uIU/mL 33.1 4.5
Serum Creatinine: 0.76-1.27 mg/dL 0.73 0.76
Serum Ferritin: 30-400 ng/mL 602 509
Triglycerides: 0-149 mg/dL 730 75
LDL: 0-99 mg/dL Unable to be calculated, 59
VLDL: 5-40 mg/dL triglycerides too high! 15
HDL: >39 mg/dL 20 28
Cholesterol/HDL ratio: 0-5.0 8.9 3.6
Vitamin D (25-OH): 30-100 9.2 29.5
Urinalysis: Glucose Negative 3+ Negative
Vitamin B12: 211-946 pg/mL 197 774
Plasma Homocysteine: 0-15 umol/L 12.3 11.1
C – reactive protein (cardiac): 0-3 mg/L 2.0 0.78
MTHFR No mutation Mutation identified

Assessment: Based on evaluation and testing performed in August of 2013, it was evident that B.M was experiencing dangerous abnormalities in blood sugar handling and cardiovascular health, among others. In fact, he was displaying all the signs of Type II Diabetes and full-blown Metabolic Syndrome (more on Metabolic Syndrome from the Mayo Clinic). Peripheral neuropathy and cognitive/emotional dysfunction were a direct reflection of his poor blood sugar handling as these conditions are consistent with poor lifestyle choices and impaired fuel delivery. B.M. was instructed to consult with his primary care physician for possible endocrine/cardiology consults. Moreover, he understood that most of these changes were driven by lifestyle choices and opted for a more holistic approach!

Intervention: B.M. was immediately placed on a rigorous course of medical food supplementation (3-5 times per day) specific for clients with blood sugar handling issues and Diabetes. This was supplemented with an unlimited quantity of green vegetables and approved whole food protein bars. Further, He was placed on essential fatty acids, other key fats, and Vitamin D to assist with his metabolic struggles. Progressive cardiovascular and muscle resistance exercise protocols were implemented as tolerated. Moreover subsequent to an 8-week program, at which time most of his functional gains were made, he was placed on additional supplements to complement the findings of his repeated laboratory analysis in November of 2013.

Results: B.M. had a significant reduction in his weight and waist: hip ratio (a reliable predictor of cardiovascular risk and/or health).  Allowing for him to resume an increasingly active and productive lifestyle with work and leisure activities (including long-distance cycling). Furthermore, cognitive and emotional stability was regained with vast improvements in thinking and depressive episodes. Pain and other symptoms subsided concurrent with improvements in metabolic function and weight loss. By all accounts B.M. is in a much better place with regard to his health, distancing himself from Type II Diabetes and significant cardiovascular risk. !

Dr. Michael S. Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Neurofeedback Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the practice of advanced functional neurology. He is one of the most highly sought-after brain rehabilitation specialists because of the life-changing outcomes his patients consistently experience. After over a decade in private practice and working alongside other pioneers in the field, Dr. Trayford developed his multimodal intensive brain training and rehabilitation program built around the science of Neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to learn and grow dependent upon the stimulation it receives from its environment. He later founded APEX Brain Centers to combine his ground-breaking rehabilitation approach with a unique patient and caretaker-centered care model. Under Dr. Trayford’s leadership, APEX Brain Centers has successfully treated thousands of patients and earned the reputation of a world-renowned brain training and rehabilitation practice. Since its inception, Dr. Trayford has been a leader of the Brain Training revolution treating patients worldwide. In addition, he is a published journal contributor and international lecturer. His experience with various patients of all ages and neurological conditions has given him a unique perspective on brain health and human performance. He is also well-versed in collaborating with other health care professionals, making him an invaluable asset to any care team. Dr. Trayford was awarded the Functional Neurologist of the Year distinction by the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, where he is a proud member and conference lecturer. Currently, he serves on the Advisory Council for the Dementia Society of America and the Board of Directors for the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research. He is also a servant leader who has dedicated his adult life to serving multiple communities through Rotary International and other notable causes. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Trayford usually reads or researches anything related to the brain, human performance, and leadership. He also loves spending time outdoors with his wife Denise, their two daughters, and dogs in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaeltrayford/

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