Podcast for Healing Neurology

Dr John Moos, MD discusses his transition from trauma surgeon to psychedelic healer- the unifying factor being proximity to trauma. He notes the trauma he initially treated with surgery most typically occurs within a container of many other traumas- social, political and economic violence, resource scarcity, fear, addiction, intergenerational traumas, ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and others. His (to-be) wife looked at him one day and said “I wonder if it’s possible to heal it before it happens”, meaning, is there a way to pre-emptively address the container of trauma before the physical trauma results as the outward explosion of inner distress. Dr Moos was hooked. He completed personal experiences with plant medicine and trainings with the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI), California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) for their MDMA (3,4-Methyl
enedioxy
methamphetamine) protocol and now runs MoosMD.com to offer service to people with psychedelic medicine.

In this episode, we start with a discussion about trauma. Trauma can even be created in as simple moment as a mis-attunement with a parent as a child in a critical moment and we all experience various levels of trauma throughout the lifespan. Psychedelics can be a tool (not a panacea) to understand the impact of our history on our current, daily moment. It’s the alignment and integration of your three lenses of understanding: cognition (head), somatic (heart) and embodiment (intuition).

Dr Moos recognizes that psychedelics give us a chance to step to the side of our default mode network which can also be described as a type of our identity of our consciousness. Our conversation ranges to the benefits of relationship to help us access our consciousness (this is the definition of Tantra) and these relationships can be our mind to ourselves, us to our container, or us to each other.

Then, we dive into the current research and legal perspectives about the various psychedelics- ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and other plant medicines for treatment resistant depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD and others. He reviews the importance of set and setting which recognizes that intentional and introspective work versus the external recreation of these medicines when they are used in a non-monitored ‘party’ state. As therapy, this is to dissolve ego boundaries to better understand yourself.

We also review the chemical nature and physiological impact of these medicines including the specific activities in the brain and the impacts on our neurobiology.

Is anybody damaged beyond repair? Is any person too traumatized to heal? On being asked this question, Dr Moos offers a compassionate and insightful response about the power of our neuroplasticity as well as the tremendously oppressive conditions of social, political and economic injustice and the persistent squeeze of growing pollution and climate change.

We close this show with a description about the Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) process and what to look for in finding a safe and insightful session.

What I love about this show is that while we talk about ketamine and other psychedelics as a medicinal tool, this show is really about the nature of healing and reality.

Find out more about Dr Moos & his practice at https://moosmd.com/

Microglial cells are responsible for sensing and driving the immune response in the central nervous system. Their activity, be it supportive or destructive, can be at the root of many different neuroinflammatory conditions including diseases like MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), but may also play a large role in the vague hallmark symptoms of complex and chronic disease like brain fog, fatigue, pain, alertness and mood changes including OCD, ADD, and depression.

Dr Singhal systematically walks us through an easily understood description of the types of cells in the brain (neurons, macroglia (astrocytes & oligodendrocytes), microglia) and their functions. The microglia are a fascinating type of neuroimmune cell that sense and act protectively in good times and then can change shape and release various cytokines, chemokine and neurotransmitters in response to the development of disease, which then impacts microglia function further. We used to only be able to see this on autopsy- there are no blood tests available to measure microglial activation (although neurofilament light chains (NfL) from neurons and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) from astrocytes can reflect central nervous system cellular injury).

But PET imaging can visualize microglial activation! Dr Singhal explains in elucidating detail the nature, function, and power of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, like starting with the Big Bang, anti-matter particles, medical cyclotrons and gamma rays. “PET brings physics, chemistry and biology together in real time to provide novel insights at a cellular and molecular level”, including microglial activation. “If you know yourself and know your enemy, you’ll win 1000 battles” is the way he describes what PET can do for neuroinflammatory conditions.

We end the show with a discussion of treatment theories and options targeting microglial activation. It’s a combination of re-evaluating known therapies (even the old antibiotic minocycline!) for their impact on microglia as well as mention of some novel therapies, including a nasal spray ‘vaccine’ for MS. Of course, we bring up non-pharmacologic therapy potentials including exercise, the Ayurvedic perspective including panchakarma detoxification, the power of breathing to impact cerebrospinal fluid flow, ketogenic diet, and consideration of various adaptogenic herbs with the goal of supporting the immune system’s intelligence.

Despite being born into an Ayurvedic culture, Dr Anup Mulakaluri, ND, didn't seek out Ayurvedic training until his mom gained medical benefit this ancient science. As soon as he started his training, he knew he was at home and brings the cozy comfort of Ayurveda to each patient he sees and the teaching he does, like in our show today. He starts out describing Ayurveda as 'a system of healing, a way of life, a spiritual practice and as a functional medicine'. He then dives into how we can understand ourselves through our doshic makeup, meaning the three components of our constitution termed vata, pitta, and kapha. With his clear definitions and descriptions of how to stay balanced, lovingly shares what to do when it's hard to wake up in the morning, for example. We then shift to the Ayurvedic perspective of neurology. He describes the nervous system is the action arm of consciousness, where choices are made. He discusses the innate connection between the nervous system and the gut as they can be connected through vata dosha and 'vatagati', meaning 'vata goes there'. Dr Mulakaluri unfolds the beauty of Ayurveda to meet the patient exactly with what they need. Typically with neurological disease, primary treatments are to apply soothing oil topically with massage but also internally with ghee, oils, and fatty animal tissue like cold-water fish in the diet. He explains how the lipophilic nature of oil allows it to penetrate through membranes to address neurological tissues. From here, Dr Mulakaluri reviews a few cases with treatments given for a patient with Parkinson's Disease, a patient with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). In brief, he also reviews the incredible and unique process that is Ayurvedic panchakarma for detoxification, cleansing, restoration and rejuvenation. Panchakarma is the tool for hitting the reset button. He bravely answers our question about 'why does Ayurveda work for neurological conditions'. This was such a relaxing show to record and we are thrilled to offer you this look into Ayurveda today. 

For more information about Dr Anup Mulakaluri, ND, and his clinic, Natural Rhythms Ayurvedic Naturopathy: https://ayurvedicseattle.com/

Parkinson's: 

• AV Mungale, et al. Role of Panchkarma and Shaman Chikitsa in Parkinson’s Disease. World Journal of Pharmaceutical research, Vol. 10(2), 1430-1437.
• Verma J, et al. An Open Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Shirobasti and Nasya with and without Levodopa in the Management of Kampavata w.s.r. to Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Research & Reviews: A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga & Naturopathy Volume 8, Issue 3.
• Sagar M. Bhinde, Kalpana S. Patel,1 Virendra Kumar Kori,1 and S. Rajagopala. Management of spastic cerebral palsy through multiple Ayurveda treatment modalities. Ayu. 2014 Oct-Dec; 35(4): 462–466.

Multiple Sclerosis: Shailesh VD, et al. Effect of Ayurvedic and Panchkarma treatment in Ashti Majja Gata Vata: A Case Study. J. of Ayurved and Holistic Medicine, Vol. 5 (6), Nov-Dec. 2017.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Nakanekar, Amit et al. “An ayurvedic approach in the management of Guillain-Barre syndrome: A case study.” Ancient science of life vol. 35,1 (2015): 52-7

Myasthenia Gravis: 

• Ashwini HA, et al. ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA IN MYASTHENIA GRAVIS– A CASE STUDY. Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2018;6(3):61-65.
• Vidyasagar, Prashanth A.S. A critical understanding of Myasthenia Gravis and it's Treatment in Ayurveda. Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2018;6(8):55-61

Marilyn (Micki) Maes, MS. RT, (R), (MR), (f), CRT, is a radiologic technologist, professional educator, researcher, 3D quantitative analyst, consultant, and manager with over 15 years of experience in performance and training regarding diagnostic imaging. Prior to her last 6 years at CorTech working with the Neuroquant, which is a specific type of volumetric analysis and report regarding cognitive decline, she was director at Stanford's 3D quantitative radiology department doing manually what CorTech reports now do digitally. This show walks through brain/head imaging from A-Z, or should we say from X-ray to CT, to MRI, to PET and back through circulatory vessel imaging including CTA (CT-angiogram) and MRA/MRV (magnetic resonance angiogram & venograms). She brings to light how the imaging study is done, what body structures are best seen with each test, types of dye (iodine vs gadolinium), contraindications and which clinical situation is best elucidated by which study (for example, Parkinson's and dopamine with PET scanning or how & why cancer lights up with gadolinium). Micki then dives into nitty gritty details of what is being seen (or not) with the CorTech Neuroquant report comparing volumetrics as applies to long-COVID brain fog, Alzheimer's, hippocampal asymmetry, ventricular sizes and global atrophy. She also reviews imaging abnormalities with MS and vascular abnormalities. This information can be hard to find and especially difficult to understand. Micki teases apart what type of information is sought with the various imaging options. More information about the Neuroquant reports can be found at the CorTech website. 

Cortech: https://www.cortechs.ai/

Dr Virtaj Singh, MD, gives us the physical medicine and rehabilitation perspective of the hypermobile body. We start out talking about how 'hypermobility' presents, starting with the various joints that can get hypermobile (spoiler alert: it's all of them). He explains how lax ligaments may trigger muscles to tighten in order to protect a vulnerable joint which is why sometimes treatment is to loosen muscles and sometimes treatment is to tighten ligaments as a way to address a root cause of pain. We review the various stages of dysfunction including acute, subacute and chronic stages and how to look for microscopic injuries that might not be visible on imaging. Dr Singh explains looking for the what, the how and the why- the cause- of pain and dysfunction versus just trying to dull pain with opiates. He walks through a broad range of treatment options top to bottom- medications (anti-inflammatories vs muscle relaxants vs tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline/nortriptyline, low dose naltrexone, opiates), physical and occupational therapies, steroid injections, prolotherapy (injections to tighten ligaments as some say 'scar it down'), IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation which is sort of like 'if acupuncture and massage therapy had a baby'), trigger point injections, PRP (platelet rich plasma), stem cell injections into joint spaces, and surgery (fusion/ fixation). We discuss CCI, craniocervical instability, as one possible trigger for many of the global symptoms of neuroinflammation and that it's a very dangerous area from an interventionalist standpoint; Dr Singh refers to the Centeno-Schultz Clinic in Colorado for injection treatments Sprinkled throughout are tips and pearls for understanding the different joints and their role in supporting your full body. Dr Singh walks through various conditions, placing imaging studies like MRI in their proper context- not as diagnostics, but as supports for the physical evaluation of the patient. We finish with a discussion about fixation & fusion surgeries and then recap what is hypermobility and how to think about it when trying to address pain. Jump on board- this is a thorough discussion about physical treatments for the hypermobile body that you don't want to miss. 

Find Dr Virtaj Singh at Seattle Spine & Sports: http://seattlespine.com/seattle

#hypermobility #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #hypermobilitysyndrome #EDS #chronicillness #mecfs #chronicdisease #pain #chronic pain #chronicfatigue #chronicallyill #chronicpainwarrior #chronicfatiguesyndrome #spoonie #spoonielife #spoonies #spoonieproblems #jointpain #jointhealth #regenerativemedicine #medicine 

Tami Hafzalla hails originally from Cairo, Egypt, and found her spirit grounded & home-grown through her explorations of Yoga and Ayurveda. In this podcast, she brings us along on her journey originating in a curious & contemplative childhood, through psychology studies in college that triggered her introduction to Yoga, breath work, meditation and self-discipline. "Yoga is here to liberate me." Her drive to be of service to humanity drove progressively deeper through experiences all over the world with Vedic sciences: music, chanting, ancient texts, Jyotish (Ayurvedic astrology), and bhatki, which means devotion. Bhakti is the style of practice that spoke most to Tami across the decades of her journey and has sustained her through years of parenting, working, breathing and living. "The truth of being a householder in the world is that we can't spend all the hours in the day in spiritual awareness, but we can be in devotion." She quotes Jack Kornfield's book, "After the Ecstasy, the Laundry." She shares with us one of her personal favorite mantras, 'begin again' because the nature of being human is honoring recurrent imperfection. We then discuss Tami's brilliant approach to attending to your Ayurvedic constitution during a group Yoga practice. Tami's grasp and application of the science to the daily life is palpable, regardless of wrestling toddlers into pants or on retreat abroad at a spiritual retreat. "This is my practice. My body is changing and this is my practice." Hearing her story is inspiring. Listening through her humility is an honor. 

Dr Alessandro Bitto is a researcher at the University of Washington who studies biological aging, mitochondrial function and metabolic disease. He walks us through the history, current thinking and some of the experimental data of cellular senescence, including the role of DNA damage and telomeres, some of the senolytic drugs (quercetin, Dasatinib and others), and how different cells effect senescence differently, like epithelial cells vs neurons vs immune cells. He talks about the root of cancer being cells that escape cellular instructions. From this foundation, Dr Bitto layers in the role of mitochondria with deep explanations of metabolism as the summary of actions that cover the cycles of catabolism and anabolism- the breaking down of our food, water and oxygen intake into their individual constituents and then the process of building membranes, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, etc. He discusses the actions with the mitochondria which govern oxidative phosphorylation including the Kreb's cycle (aka Citric Acid Cycle) and the electron transport chain and the importance of membranes to govern the passage and connection of these elements to do the work. We discuss macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and proteins) as well as the vitamins and minerals that act as co-factors. Next, Dr Bitto links mitochondrial activity with aging. Dr Bitto then shares the research he's been personally working on, which revolves around the impact on aging (in mice) by rapamycin, acarbose and butryrate. Of note, acarbose and butryrate are active in the gut and suddenly, here we see the direct link between the gut, the mitochondria, and biological aging- wow! Listen in for a ride through the science and research of metabolism, mitochondria and aging. 

Ms Hiba Jameel grew up in Iraq during the Gulf War and transitioned from coming to the US as a refugee to studying Blue-Zone longevity & nutrition including the biomarkers regarding mTor & IGF1 during her Masters training at Tufts University. She paints us a gorgeous picture of sitting at her grandmother's table as a child with the fruits, nuts, vegetables and spices of the Iraqi table and moves through her understanding of people through her understanding of food, nutrition and the world 'healthy'. Her love of food is palpable and it's evident especially in her respect for the variety of diets in Blue-Zones around the world. She's sharp on policy as well and lays into our food policies that are driving national health vulnerabilities. As she talks about her art and creativity which was present in her since childhood, she lights up again. This is a wide-ranging show about art, culture, trauma, nutrition, emotion, policy, inequities, and health, all as told through the warm and sweet voice of Ms Jameel that truly represents the ways in which we can choose healing from diverse aspects of our lives. Enjoy! 

Contact Ms Jameel for nutritional consultation: hjameel2019@gmail.com. 

How can we find authentic freedom, everlasting joy, and unshakable sovereignty? In this episode, Acharya Shunya shares the seven stages of falling through desire from consciousness to unconsciousness to discover our true nature and improve our health. Acharya Shunya is the first female leader in her 2,000 year Vedic lineage from India. Her insight is profound and under the heel of her gentle, poetic tone, she crushes the Ego that keeps us isolated and alone to hand us our larger Self. This is the process we all walk through over the course of our lives as we search for connection and continually must remember that the connection we seek is to our Self. By finding the Self, "the nightmare is over and you have awakened". 

We may romanticize spirituality as something that happens away from families and work and the daily life, but Acharya Shunya breaks these assumptions. We enlighten right where we are, up in the night with children, sick ones and elders. We don't need any particular thing in our external life to be one way or another. The battle for our spirit exists in finding our way to come correct to every breath, while we grocery shop and stand in lines and take out the trash and pay bills. "Find the Himalaya within you." 

This householder spirituality was part of the Vedic tradition from thousands of years ago. In fact, she shares how the Vedas were written in part by 27 Rishikas (women seers). The Vedas are older than Hinduism and note the equality of power held by women and men, the widely-noted presence of divinity in the 'male body, female body or mixed body'; divinity is present in all life, in all faiths and religions and cultures. "When we sleep, we all return to that one common womb."

Acharya Shunya's website: https://www.acharyashunya.com/

Acharya Shunya's book, Sovereign Self: Claim Your Inner Joy and Freedom with the Empowering Wisdom of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita: https://bookshop.org/books/sovereign-self-claim-your-inner-joy-and-freedom-with-the-empowering-wisdom-of-the-vedas-upanishads-and-bhagavad-gita/9781683645818

There are more neurons in the gut than in the spinal cord. WHAT?! Dr Katja Kovacic is a pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in the gut-brain connection especially through the perspective of the autonomic nervous system. She discusses the complex and difficult to treat functional gut disorders including IBS, cyclic vomiting syndrome, gastroparesis and chronic abdominal pain. Her experience is extensive. She describes the symptoms that come along with these conditions and some of the testing to diagnose these conditions. We then spend the second half of the show discussing treatment options. Dr Kovacic starts with a simple listing of some of the medication options (many for migraine and mood) and then we go deep into neuromodulation options. These can be vagal stimulators, deep brain stimulators, and sacral and tibial neuromodulation. We then turn our attention to the IBStim, an auricular (ear) neuromodulator that is FDA approved for IBS. Dr Kovacic shares her experience with hundreds of patients in clinic and in research. Our last device discussion is about the Safe & Sound Protocol which is acoustic neuromodulation (music therapy) based on Steven Porges work evolving the Polyvagal Theory. Finally, we review how hypermobile disorders, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, are inherently linked to altered autonomic activity with 90% of patients suffering from severe gut dysfunction- this is where the research is going next, and she describes a number of the studies being run through her clinic at the University of Wisconsin. These are incredible common but ultimately complex conditions being blown open by Dr Kovacic’s unique approach for understanding, diagnosing, treatments and research into these neurogastroenterologic conditions.  Listen and learn.

Find more about Dr Kovacic & see some of her other lectures: https://childrenswi.org/physician-directory/k/kovacic-katja-k

Alan Cash got curious about why our energy pathways fail us. Armed with an MS in physics, he's found himself innovating commercial production methods for oxaloacetate, a metabolite in the citric acid cycle that sits squarely within our mitochondria and are fundamental in producing the ATP that fuel every energy-requiring process in the body. In this episode, we review the nitty gritty details of energy production from the perspective of how oxaloacetate (brand names Benagene and Jubilance) can impact us from the systemic perspective. We don't typically discuss one commercial product on our show, but we have many patients using oxaloacetate and wanted to give a much more complete picture than we can in a clinic visit. Taking oxaloacetate has been shown to decrease NF-kB activation, reduce fasting glucose by ~25% (research from the late 1960's), increase NAD to NADH ratios, increase AMPK, decrease emotional symptoms of PMS (as the product Jubilance) and favorably shift cellular redox. Preliminary data from Mr Cash's current research is showing reduction in fatigue for CFS/ME patients. Remarkably,  oral oxaloacetate seems to be able to cross the blood brain barrier (it's a very small molecule!) and can decrease brain glutamate levels. Most remarkably, taking exogenous oxaloacetate can mimic caloric restriction and has increased the lifespan of laboratory animals. It's been used in doses ranging from 100 to 6000mg daily (like for glioblastoma) and has been well-tolerated even at high doses. It's important to know that the commercial products Benagene and Jubilance contain the same ingredients: 100mg of oxaloacetate stabilized by 150mg of vitamin C. To answer another common question, there's no mechanism to turn oxaloacetate into the undesirable 'oxalate' compound in the human body. This tiny molecule really can pack a molecular and anti-inflammatory punch- listen in to find out more!

Resources: 

https://benagene.com/

https://jubilance.com/

• Oxaloacetate to reduce emotional symptoms in PMS: placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial with 48 women (2020): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7073356/
• Safety and target engagement profile of two oxaloacetate doses (500mg & 1000mg twice daily) in 15 Alzheimer's patients (2021) showed the higher dose increased frontal & frontoparietal brain glucose & glutathione per FDG PET scanning despite no changes in serum levels or cognitive scoring. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32715609/
• Oxaloacetate activates brain mitochondrial biogenesis, enhances the insulin pathway, reduces inflammation & stimulates neurogenesis (2014) in mice injected with 1-2g/kg once daily dosing x 1-2 weeks. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25027327/
• Oxaloacetate supplementation increases lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans (roundworms) by 25% median & 13% maximal lifespan through an AMPK/FOXO-dependent pathway (2009). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1474-9726.2009.00527.x
• Oxaloacetate: A novel neuroprotective for acute ischemic stroke (2012) via modulation of the glutamate pathway which would also be applicable for other types of brain injury, like TBI (traumatic brain injury). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22085530/
• Neuroprotective effect of oxaloacetate in a focal brain ischemic model in the rat (2015) through pathways of glutamate scavenging. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24807461/
• Neuroprotective effects of oxaloacetate in closed head injury in rats is mediated by its blood glutatmate scavenging activity (2009). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19543002/
• Effect of alpha-ketoglutarate & oxaloacetate on brain mito DNA damage & seizures (2003). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12749815/
• Oxaloacetate acid supplementation as a mimic of caloric restriction: https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOLSJ/TOLSJ-3-22.pdf

Yoga was one of the key tools Olympic-hopeful snowboarder Kevin Pearce found to reorient to himself as able, connected and calm after his severe head injury on a practice run in January 2012 left him comatose for weeks. Despite high-tech and caring medical attention, devoted family support and extensive neurorehabilitation, Kevin's identity remained rooted in his life as a professional athlete and snowboarder for years after his accident. After traumatic brain injury (TBI), however, we may not return to our 'former' self and the struggle to find our new self, identity and value is a worth search. In response to the benefits Yoga inspired for Kevin & his family, they founded and run the LoveYourBrain Foundation which develops research-based, practical and FREE, accessible programming offering Yoga back to the TBI community. Kyla Pearce (Kevin's sister-in-law), Yoga professional and PhD/Post-Doc trained researcher serves as Senior Director of Programs for LoveYourBrain. In this episode, she reviews their three types of programs (Retreats, Yoga, and Mindset Online), the research behind them and the principles and values that drive them. "Yoga is a about coming home to yourself" which can be mobility, community-building, stress coping, relaxation, athleticism in strength and balance and/or simple curiosity about self. These programs have been offered at 65 Yoga studios and 25 hospital/neuro-rehabilitiation facilities across the US and Canada. In total, just about 10,000 individuals with TBI have been served with LoveYourBrain programs. All programs are designed based on the science of resilience, including the growth vs fixed mindset discussed by research Carol Dweck of Stanford and the 10 principles of resiliency by MDs Dennis Charney & Steven Southwick of Mt Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in New York. Programs focus on reframing the difficulties of the TBI experience as a springboard to greater connection to self and potential as a human. It's resiliency over recovery and it's an inspiring program to learn about. Please engage with them at whatever levels best serves you personally and share widely as their in-person programs begin to ramp back up with the (fingers-crossed) quieting of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Resources: 

https://www.loveyourbrain.com/

More about Carol Dweck: https://profiles.stanford.edu/carol-dweck?tab=publications

More about the 10 principles of resiliency from Drs Dennis Charney & Steven Southwick: https://icahn.mssm.edu/files/ISMMS/Assets/About%20the%20School/Leadership/CRTV-3841-ICAHN_Charney_10StepPrescription_Resilience_Infographic_Nov_20.pdf

Dr Shae Datta, MD, is a Sports NeuroTrauma Neurologist and the current Director of Concussion & Neuro-Cognition at New York University, Long Island. Dr Datta specializes in helping people heal from brain injuries, especially including traumatic brain injuries and concussion (also called mTBI = mild traumatic brain injury). In this incredible episode, we wind our way first through the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system, meaning the brain, spinal cord and associated microglia, astrocytes, relay neurons and the glymphatic clearance system of the CNS. Dr Datta then illuminates an understanding of the gut-brain axis with a special focus on psychbiotics, naming some of the specific types of probiotics that impact mood, cognition and the nervous system. She notes, ‘unhappy gut = unhappy brain’. The show returns to prognosis after brain injury and that every head injury is a unique story and very dependent on functional level, age, stress, co-morbidities, prior TBI and history of migraines. She reviews a bit of the TBI evaluation, which, barring a bleed in the head visible on CT, can often present with subtle findings regarding balance and ocular or vision changes that can potentially reflect outsized cognitive, sensory and/or motor challenges. We end the show with an exploration of a wide variety of treatments, some common (physical and occupational therapy) and some unique to Dr Datta’s integrative training: choline, creatine, vitamins and others.

Learn more from Dr Datta from her co-authored chapter on TBI in the Integrative Neurology textbook in the Andrew Weil Series:  https://www.elliottbaybook.com/book/9780190051617

To see Dr Datta as a patient, find her at NYU Langone: https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1720493141/shae-datta

Dr Sri Ganeshan, MD and physician scientist, dives into the weeds on folate and mitochondria

Please note, even though we discuss folate doses in depth, we are NOT recommending that using folate in any form is right for you or your child. A podcast conversation is never a replacement for personalized and direct medical care. 

Did you know mitochondria is involved in fighting viral infections including COVID? Listen all the way through to get this info! 

It’s a soup-to-nuts discussion about the types of folate, functions of folate across the lifespan, location of receptors on the body, deficiency symptoms, genetics of folate (including MTHFR), and supplementation options (including oral and/or injectable). Dr Ganeshan then discusses the FRAT test (Folate Receptor Antibody Test) which is a blood test that evaluates autoimmune activity against the folate receptors, possibly interrupting folate uptake & usage, especially by the brain, which has been associated with neuroinflammatory conditions like autism and chronic infections. He discusses the role of dairy in triggering autoinflammatory conditions.

Regarding mitochondria, Dr Ganeshan weaves around mitochondrial structure, numbers, locations, functions and dysfunction/ deficiency symptoms by complex in the electron transport chain (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, cancer, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and others). Historically, mitochondrial disease that is severe has a genetic contribution and is found in childhood, but secondary dysfunction that may be environmentally triggered and found as mitochondrial dysfunction in children or adults. He discusses some of the subtle (aka vague) lab findings as well as the gold standards for mitochondrial evaluation (muscle biopsy and/or genetics). MitoSwab test per research is 85% as accurate as the much more invasive muscle biopsy and can be completed with a simple cheek swab and shipped in the mail for assessment. It can be used with children 2 years old and up. Finally, we review treatment options for supplements and the importance of protecting from light and oxygen to reduce oxidation. 

We close with some interesting patient cases of children with autism and an adult with Parkinson's. 

Put on your science hat! This is a fun, technical, ride through these two vital aspects of our metabolism. 

Of note, Center for Healing Neurology does offer both FRAT & MitoSwab testing. Please schedule an appointment if you are interested in this testing. 

Dr Manish Butte, MD PhD, is a pediatrician & Division Chief of Immunology, Allergy & Rheumatology, and is also a surprisingly down-to-Earth kind of guy. In this show, he causally lays it all out there from the perspective of a scientist and compassionate clinician who works at the edges of what we know regarding genetics and rare diseases to give us a view of the whole playing field of immunology, including allergy, autoimmunity and infection (especially the post-infectious drive towards autoimmunity). We discuss Lyme, EBV (Epstein Barr Virus) and the ways in which the B cells & T cells function to mount, address & recede from their battle stations (did you know regulatory T cells even a part of the initial cytotoxic T cell response to infection?). Dr Butte then dives into the mechanobiology components of T cell activation (did you know stiff vs soft, aka swollen/edematous tissues vs non-traumatized tissue, trigger different T cell responses?) with some fascinating conjecture about the interaction between hypermobile tissues & T cell activity. We seem to end the conversation with a deep discussion about IVIG (IV immunoglobulin G) and rituximab which address aberrant antibodies but then truly finish with some discussion about the importance of immunogenetics and COVID antibody & T-cell evaluations. All in all, a fabulous show for which we are grateful for Dr Butte's generous participation. 

Neuropathy is dysfunction or damage (or both!) to the nerves and is a source for movement disorders as well as burning, tingling and numbness. It's a condition that can result from so many different triggers. Did you know ~40% of neuropathies remain 'idiopathic' in cause, meaning of unknown origin? In this podcast, MD Dan Olesnicky walks through them all. Step by step, he discusses the central vs peripheral nervous system (the peripheral being the end 'rootlets' of very small nerves that can enervate our hands and feet but also wrap around our gut and heart), and then goes into mono vs polyneuropathy. We talk about everything from mechanical compression to toxic insult to acute or chronic infection to hereditary sources for neuropathy. Then we talk about treatment options, including the innovative treatments he offers in his clinic that include stem cell and PRP (platelet rich protein) injections into nerve trigger points that has given some of his toughest neuropathy patients relief. Dr Olesnicky shares some elements of the cardiac neuropathy he experienced from Lyme Disease and how this has resolved with IV stem cell therapy. Fascinating N of 1 case! 

Dr Ilene Ruhoy is the Medical Director of the new Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Center at Mt Sinai in South Nassau, New York. In this podcast, Dr Ruhoy shares the structure, goals and approach to EDS patient care. Dr Ruhoy lays out the challenges that EDS and hypermobile patients encounter in experiencing connective tissue disorders, getting a diagnosis and the work that is happening at the EDS Center to center complex and chronically ill patient care. It starts with a triad structure binding together clinical practice with the illustrious Dr Anne Maitland, surgery led by Dr Paulo Bolognese, as driving and driven by research. Then, Dr Ruhoy dives into the nature of the connective tissue and reviews one research study underway to evaluate these connective tissues for infectious source but also postulates other potential sources starting with genetic vulnerabilities as acted upon by pollution, trauma and other triggers. This might be a one-two punch that can result in complex and chronic disease. 

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/

EDS Center at Mt Sinai: https://www.southnassau.org/sn/chiari-eds?srcaud=Main

Why are chronic, persistent infections like Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia and others like long-COVID and Epstein-Barr Virus so difficult to diagnose and treat? Infectious Disease specialist, Dr Bela Chheda, MD, walks us step by step through testing options including Elisa, Western Blot, PCR, Immunoblot (Igenix, Vibrant America), FISH testing for Babesia (Igenix), and some of the uncommonly tested parts of the immune system like the T-cells (InfectoLab). She also reviews how these bacteria can hide deep within tissue compartments and intracellularly,  and that they can change themselves to hide from our immune system as well as changing our immune system itself. This flows right into the discussion about treatments with a focus on antibiotics: when to start them, when to stop them, how long they may be used for and what they can or can't do for recovering from chronic persistent infections. Dr Chheda explains why the CDC-criteria for Lyme disease set in the 1990's to target surveillance of population health lacks the sensitivity to find the cases of Lyme disease out there that can be responsive to treatment and discusses the critical importance of interpreting all test results in the clinical context of the individual patient. This one-hour show cracks the nut on how to think about testing and treating of these tricky vector-borne diseases that can trigger a chronic persistent infection that impedes optimal health.

Gays Making is the podcast that spotlights LGBTQIA creators, artists, musicians, actor, performers - any and all creatives. Join Grayson Hay as he has conversations with LGBTQIA creators about their art, their inspirations, and how they stay creative in the world.

Premiering May 27th and releasing every other week on Thursdays! Subscribe now where you get your podcasts!

Presented by Partyfish Media 🎉🐟

Health and healing have history in time immemorial. We all do it- people, animals, plants, communities, and planet. In this episode, Matia Jones, Medical and Ecological Anthropologist, and Gillian Ehrlich, Family Nurse Practitioner, dive into definitions of health and healing across time and space. The conversation covers one of the traditional definitions of health from the ancient Ayurvedic texts as well as descriptions of ‘intactness’ from the Mayan culture. We reflect on the recent conviction of Derek Chauvin’s murder of George Floyd as a type of autoimmune disease, in which the cells of the organism charged with protection and security are destroying other cells they are responsible for keeping safe, which ultimately threatens the viability of the whole organism. There is much to be gained here in terms of reminders that we belong within this body and on this planet. 

Put on your seatbelt because Dr Boles is taking you for a genetics ride you might need to listen to twice! We start at the beginning, talking about Mendel's pea plants, what is DNA, RNA and how does inheritance work. Then, we peel the onion another layer and review mitochondria, which have their own genetic lineage, including how, when and why our inheritances overlap. THEN, we further peel the onion to get into the poly-genetic origins of functional disease. Boom. It's a fascinating discussion that delineates structural vs functional disease and how most of what we struggle with in the modern world is functional disease. AND THEN, we do a deep dive into the genetics that underlie functional diseases like autism, chronic fatigue (CFS/ME), anxiety, depression, OCD, dysautonomia, abdominal migraines and cyclic vomiting syndrome. Dr Boles' adept descriptions make this reasonably understandable as he winds his way through mitochondrial treatments (vitamins, minerals, nutrients and medication options) as well as a clear teaching about channelopathies and why this might be your subtle but persistent problem. He finishes up talking about the company he founded, Neuro Needs, to offer mitochondrial cocktails, after struggling to give children and adults with congenital and acquired mitochondropathies all of the nutrients they needed over the years. Tune in to understand some of the more subtle but impactful aspects of our genotype vs phenotypical presentation in our daily life. 

Resources: 

To have a consult with Dr Boles: https://neurabilities.com/our-team/

For his Neuro Needs mitochondrial support products: https://www.neuroneeds.com/

We are blessed in this episode with the brilliant and joyful rheumatologist, Dr Arinola Dada. Through her insightful metaphors, Dr. Dada explains the nuances of the immune system, including the innate and adaptive immune responses, and how and why autoimmunity occurs. She walks us through the multiple cellular check points that our system has to gauge and respond to judge threats and then reviews some of the different ways autoimmune disease presents when these checkpoints fail. The cells 'under attack' can be localized to a tissue- as in the central nervous system with multiple sclerosis (MS)- or can be disseminated throughout the body- like the nuclear material attack of lupus. Then, the conversation turns towards how to think about medicines and treatments, of course including an anti-inflammatory diet, lifestyle, and avoiding toxicity and other infectious triggers as able. We spent the rest of the episode discussing medications: NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), steroids, and then the biologic monoclonal antibody pharmaceuticals that all together constitute the treatments for autoimmune disease. 

Ayurveda teaches the practitioner to treat each patient they would their newborn baby, with the same care and attention to their every need. Jodi Boone, Ayurvedic bodyworker, lifestyle & diet consultant, and Yoga teacher, dives directly into the authentic heart of Ayurveda. She captures the reverence Ayurveda teaches for people and nature in honoring the individual within the context of their life, including successes, struggles, and traumas. Jodi then breaks down the various Ayurvedic treatments that are offered at the Center for Healing Neurology, including Reiki, abhiyanga (oil massage), shirodhara (warm stream of oil on the forehead), basti (localized ghee application), nasya (nasal application of medicated oils), and panchakarma (intensive detoxification, restoration and rejuvenation). She wisely lays out that treatments incorporate what is visible- meaning the oils, herbs and pattern of touch- and what is invisible- meaning the neurological reconnection to one's self and changes in the neuro-endocrine-immune axis that ensue from focused Ayurvedic treatments. Jodi terms this 'where the seen and unseen meet'. Join us for this discussion that explains the nuts and bolts of treatments and their impact on our mind, spirit and capacity to relax, recover and grow throughout the lifespan. 

Resources: 

Center for Healing Neurology to schedule with Jodi Boone: https://www.centerforhealingneurology.com/

More about Jodi: https://www.harmonyayurveda.com/jodi-bio/

To find an Ayurvedic practitioner in your community: https://ayurvedanama.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=945

Risa Suzuki has been certified as a Building Biology Environmental Consultant from the US-based international Institute of Building Biology & Ecology and shares with us all about Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). We learn that EMFs are simply the vibrational signatures that occur in the natural world as trees, flowers and animals that our systems recognize (and must yearn for!) but now, discussions about "EMFs" center on the  man-made electronics that pepper us, day and night, with unfamiliar signals which can trigger an occult stress response. Risa dives into the biology and chemistry around frequency, resonance, and the impact on our health of ''cycles per second' of hertz, megahertz, gigahertz, and beyond. We carry an electromagnetic field within which our metabolism is churning away every second of every day. Turns out, these invisible EMFs from cell phones, cell towers, wi-fi routers, wireless ear bud headphones and many other electronics can impact our physiology. Also turns out the the softer skulls and smaller size of children means that they are exponentially impacted by EMFs. Risa walks us through this science and then discusses the practical ways we can hard-wire our worlds to improve our health and longevity. 

Resources: 

Risa Suzuki's website: https://risasuzuki.com/

Building Biology Institute: https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org/

A daily scream-along for the modern adult. Partyfish Media is back to remind you to let it all out.

Enjoy & scream along every day in your shower, on your commute, or with a friend! Subscribe now where you get your podcasts!

Season Two of Your Daily Cathartic Scream is back now with new episodes, from Partyfish Media 🎉🐟

Center for Healing Neurology is excited to announce our newest service– health coaching with Nurse Naomi Pascoe! In this episode, Naomi details the iterative, goal-oriented, behavior-centered process of health coaching. As your coach, Naomi is like your mountain guide, who isn’t there to climb the mountain for you, but can share in the route-finding, keep you accountable in hard moments and celebrate accomplishments. She firmly believes "it shouldn’t be painful to be healthy; coaching is not a punishment!" Goals should be customizable and achievable. Health coaching is perfect for anyone who is interested in knowing themselves better and living life more intentionally. Listen in to this interview to learn how Nurse Naomi can help you plant seeds and nourish the future you want.

For a free 30 minute first session and to schedule for the coaching series, call 206-379-1213 or email reception@centerforhealingneurology.com