APEX Brain Centers

Case Study: Young Mother With Multiple Concussions Finds Relief Through Brain Training

Ali’s Story

Ali presented to APEX Brain Centers in August of 2015 in search of concussion relief. She was struggling with a host of debilitating complaints due to multiple head injuries and concussions over the years. Headaches, brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, emotional distress, restless legs, tightness in the chest, tingling in her limbs, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), dizziness, spatial awareness difficulties, loss of muscle mass and hair, gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties and more were all part of her normal daily experience. She was in a constant search for concussion relief. She had been to a host of specialists with limited outcomes; including osteopaths, naturopaths, ENTs, cardiologists, allergists, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and massage therapists. She was an exceptional student and athlete prior to her injuries.

Ali traveled from Virginia to seek care at APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC in late August, 2015 on referral from a friend who had similar problems with exceptional outcomes at APEX. She underwent an intensive course of Brain Training where she was admitted into in an individualized program directed by extensive diagnostic testing, and led by clinicians highly experienced in functional neurology and functional medicine. What follows is a sampling of some of the cutting-edge clinical interventions and amazing functional gains Ali experienced during her time at APEX.

Intervention for Concussion Relief

Ali underwent comprehensive Brain Training at a frequency of 3 times per day over the course of 10 days (with 2 days off between each week for much-needed rest and recovery). Her brain function was carefully monitored throughout the training process with measurement of EEG brainwaves, vital signs (particularly important in those with POTS), eye movements, balance, mental and physical timing, and more to ensure she was receiving the proper amount of therapy to be effective; but not too much so as to reproduce/amplify symptoms. Laboratory tests were ordering to evaluate for suspected food reactivity, markers of inflammation, altered stress responses and amino acid insufficiencies; among other factors. Modalities implemented included but were not limited to neurofeedback (NFB), Interactive Metronome, vestibular rehabilitation, metabolic/nutritional therapies, eye movement, and neurological rehabilitation, whole-body vibration, electrical stimulation, cognitive training, breathing exercises, and home care protocols.

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Ali’s Outcomes After Brain Training

Subsequent to her initial Brain Training program, Ali reported subjective improvements in all areas of pre-intensive complaint. What follows are a sampling of Ali’s words describing outcomes in several of these areas:

  • My heart rate is down significantly and I have fewer palpitations
  • I rarely feel unbalanced anymore
  • The tingling in my hands
  • Brain Training has greatly decreased my widespread pain
  • Since leaving APEX I have only had a few minor headaches and none that have turned into a migraine
  • Now I can really engage with my children for long periods of time
  • My emotions are on a more even keel
  • I can recover from a workout and exercise again the next day
  • My immune function is improving
  • I expect all of my capabilities to return and even excel beyond what they used to be in light of the new and better lifestyle I’ve adapted!

Measurable Changes

  • Cognitive Testing: Increase in her Neurocognition Index of 13%, which is a standardized overall measurement of cognitive performance. Executive function (reasoning) scores were improving by 35%. Increases in various aspects of memory, attention, processing speed, and more were as high as 13%.
  • Interactive Metronome: 43% improvement in task average with motor timing and 15% improvement in hyper-anticipatory timing tendency with motor tasks (i.e. responding prior to a pre-set reference tone).
  • Computerized Assessment of Postural Stability (CAPS): 8.2% improvement in balance on an unstable surface with eyes closed; which brought her from a moderate to a mild reduction in balance compared to her age and gender-matched peers.
  • Videonystagmography (VNG): Significant improvements in numerous aspects of oculomotor (eye movement) functionality including gaze holding, slow and fast eye movements, optokinetic responses, and spontaneous/involuntary eye movements.

It should be noted that due to the overwhelming success of her first program Ali returned for a second intensive Brain Training program in November of 2015. She experienced further objective and subjective benefit and continues to update us on her progress.

Concussion Relief IS Possible

An alarming number of individuals do not seek care for head injuries. It is important to recognize the symptoms of these debilitating injuries and that something can be done about them. The ‘wait and see’ approach to concussion and mild traumatic brain injury is no longer acceptable. Early intervention is key! The longer one waits, the more difficult it is to recover and have full engagement with life!

If you or someone you love is experiencing ANY of these symptoms, call APEX now at 828.708.5274. You may also email us at info@ApexBrainCenters.com for more information, or to set up a free consultation.

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/

4 Comments

  1. Cara on December 13, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Hello,
    It sounds like an incredible program that I may benefit from, however, I’m concerned about the cost of the therapies. I’ve been treated for symptoms left and right but have lacked a thorough evaluation. Is there a section on the website that provides this information? I would do anything for my health to improve but if these treatments are out of reach, then unfortunately for people like me, they are out of reach.
    Thank you

    • Dr. Michael Trayford on December 16, 2015 at 10:40 pm

      Hello Cara:

      Please visit this page and watch video that outlines many of our testing procedures and services – https://apexbraincenters.com/brain-training/#tools.

      Our history, evaluation and diagnostic testing is beyond thorough – it’s amazing that you’ve had so many treatments without evaluation as the assessment is what drives the treatment programs we offer.

      As everyone has different financial concerns, it would be best for you to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss treatment and financial options. We do have programs for those with financial challenges.

      We hope to hear from you soon.

  2. Cara on December 13, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Hello,
    It sounds like an incredible program that I may benefit from, however, I’m concerned about the cost of the therapies. I’ve been treated for symptoms left and right but have lacked a thorough evaluation. Is there a section on the website that provides this information? I would do anything for my health to improve but if these treatments are out of reach, then unfortunately for people like me, they are out of reach.
    Thank you

    • Dr. Michael Trayford on December 16, 2015 at 10:40 pm

      Hello Cara:

      Please visit this page and watch video that outlines many of our testing procedures and services – https://apexbraincenters.com/brain-training/#tools.

      Our history, evaluation and diagnostic testing is beyond thorough – it’s amazing that you’ve had so many treatments without evaluation as the assessment is what drives the treatment programs we offer.

      As everyone has different financial concerns, it would be best for you to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss treatment and financial options. We do have programs for those with financial challenges.

      We hope to hear from you soon.

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