We are thrilled to welcome back the fabulous Dr. Devin Duval for another insightful conversation. Dr. Duval is a Neuro-Optometrist with a focus on pediatrics, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation. He is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD), a member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA), and an associate professor at Rocky Mountain University. He is dedicated to advancing the field and helping patients with concussions and developmental challenges through neuro-optometric care.

Summary Description:

In this continuation of a fantastic conversation (see Episode 111), Bethany Lewis and Kaylee Blair dive deeper with Dr. Duval into three critical topics for concussion recovery:

1. Primitive Reflexes: Learn what primitive reflexes are, why they are crucial for our foundational neurological development, and how a concussion can cause them to re-emerge, creating symptoms like heightened startle responses, fidgeting, balance issues, and visual problems. Dr. Duval explains how reintegrating these reflexes through specific exercises can break through recovery plateaus and accelerate healing.

2. Sleep Hygiene: Dr. Duval shares essential, light-based strategies for improving sleep—a cornerstone of brain recovery. Discover why morning and evening light exposure is vital, how blue light from screens disrupts your sleep cycle, and how practical tools like blue-light-blocking glasses and red-light lamps can help you get the restorative rest you need.

3. Navigating Setbacks: Concussion recovery is rarely a straight line. Dr. Duval offers encouraging wisdom and perspective for those times when you feel you've taken "five steps back," reminding listeners that progress is an upward trend, even with inevitable peaks and valleys.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and hope for anyone on a concussion recovery journey.

Resources Mentioned

Previous Episodes with Dr. Duval:

• Episode 28: The Benefits of Neuro-Optometry for People with Concussions - Watch on YouTube

• Episode 111: Understanding and Using Syntonics (Light Therapy) in Concussion Recovery - Watch on YouTube

Primitive Reflex Resources:

• Book: "Reflexes, Learning and Behavior" by Sally Goddard Blythe. A foundational text on the subject, though noted as an "intense read." Also “Reflexes, Movement, Learning and Behavior: Analysing and Unblocking Neuro-motor Immaturity”

• Online Experts: Dr. Duval highlighted the work of Dr. Alexandar Andrich and Patti Andrich, OTR/L, COVT, CINPP, FNAP as leading resources and researchers in primitive reflex integration. Listen to the podcast with her.

• YouTube channel with helpful Primitive Reflexes info from Occupational Therapy Practitioners: https://www.youtube.com/@HarklaFamily

Sleep Resources:

• Blue Light Blocking Company: BlockBlueLight.com - A source for recommended blue-light-blocking glasses and ambient light bulbs that can be adjusted for different times of the day.

• Tool: Salt Lamps - Used to create a relaxing, red-light environment in the evening to signal the brain that it's time for sleep.

Work with Bethany:

• The Concussion Coach Program: If you're struggling with lingering symptoms, Bethany offers a coaching program to guide you through recovery: Sign up for a free consultation to get valuable information and resources at www.theconcussioncoach.com.

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

Natasha Wilch is a registered physical therapist and a leading voice in concussion care. She is the founder of Symphony Brain Performance and a clinical mentorship program, Concussion Nerds. With a passion for evolving the conversation around concussion worldwide, Natasha brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work, informed by her own family's experience with her father's brain injury when she was a teenager.

Summary Description:

In this powerful and emotional episode, Natasha Wilch gets personal, sharing a story she's never told publicly before. She opens up about her experience as a 17-year-old watching her father struggle with a significant brain injury, detailing the profound impact it had on the family dynamics, her relationship with her parents, and her own sense of home and safety.

We discuss:

• The initial trauma of her father's accident and the long-term symptoms he faced.

• The feeling of "walking on eggshells" at home and how it shaped her ability to read subtle energy shifts—a skill she now uses as a clinician.

• The heartbreaking family rift that occurred and the pivotal moments that began to rebuild the bridge between her and her father.

• How this personal history ignited her passion for helping other families navigate the complex emotional and physical landscape of concussion recovery.

• Practical advice for individuals with concussions and their families on how to communicate, seek resources, and foster understanding to prevent similar struggles.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone on a concussion journey and their loved ones. It’s a raw, hopeful look at the ripple effects of brain injury within a family and a testament to the power of education, compassion, and healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Natasha's Previous Episode (Episode 96): I Just Got A Concussion - Now What?

• Natasha's Clinic & Programs:

• • Symphony Brain Performance: Her in-person/virtual clinic.

  • Concussion Mini School: A FREE community and video resource library with monthly coaching calls.

  • Virtual Consultations: For individuals and families to chart a path forward.

• For Clinicians:

• • Concussion Nerds: Natasha's signature mentorship program for clinicians, including immersive in-person weekends.

• Connect with Natasha:

• • Instagram: @natasha.wilch

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE

Nate Pope is a neuro occupational therapist with a remarkable career spanning over 20 years. Nate's expertise is uniquely split between pediatrics, where he spent two decades as a school-based OT, and concussion recovery. Driven by seeing the challenges of post-concussion syndrome firsthand, he founded NCX Brain Recovery, a clinic dedicated to restoring hope and function. Summary Description:

What if the key to healing from a brain injury isn't focusing on one thing at a time, but doing the exact opposite? In this enlightening follow-up conversation, neuro OT Nate Pope returns to dive deep into the transformative concept of multisensory integration—the practice of engaging the entire brain simultaneously to break bad neural habits and promote true healing.

We explore why traditional, "siloed" therapies often fall short for those with post-concussion syndrome, strokes, and even conditions like anxiety and depression, and how Nate's clinic’s intensive model is achieving remarkable recoveries. Nate explains the "just right challenge," why avoiding overstimulation can sometimes hinder recovery, and how his team carefully guides patients through the very activities that once overwhelmed them.

Beyond the clinic, we discuss practical "healthy brain habits" everyone can adopt, including the profound benefits of getting outside, embracing novelty, and pursuing your passions. Nate leaves us with a powerful message of hope: your brain is far more capable of recovery than you may have been led to believe.

Mentioned Resources:

• Nate's Clinic: NCX Brain Recovery

• • Website: https://www.ncxbrainrecovery.com/

  • Email: nate@ncxbrainrecovery.com

  • Free Consultations: Nate's clinic offers free consultations to help guide you on your path to recovery.

• Previous Episode: Check out Nate's first appearance on Episode 61 for more foundational insights:

• • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCN4BVdyAPk&t=1s

• Key Concepts Discussed:

• • Multisensory Integration (Whole-Brain Therapy)

  • Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

  • Intensive Therapy Model (vs. traditional once-a-week therapy)

  • The "Just Right Challenge"

  • Healthy Brain Habits (novelty, passion, getting outside)

  • Recovery for Stroke, Anxiety, Depression, and Long COVID

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE