Mind Matters: Navigating Head Injuries and Concussions

Today, we continue our powerful conversation with brain injury survivor Joe Wilson as he opens up about the real, moment-by-moment experience of recovery — rebuilding identity, overcoming emotional and physical challenges, and discovering purpose after trauma. If you missed Joe’s first episode, make sure to watch it, because it sets the foundation for this incredible story of resilience and healin...

Hi everyone, Kiley Como here, and welcome to Mind Matters. Today, we’re sharing the incredible story of Joe Wilson, who survived a life-changing brain injury at just 15. From a coma to recovery, and the amazing support from his family, Joe’s journey is inspiring—and you’re about to hear it in his own words. https://www.wilsonphotography.uk/personal-projects/you-dont-remember-those-things https://b...

Welcome to Mind Matters, where we explore the science, stories, and breakthroughs in brain injury recovery. I’m Kiley Como, your host and legal nurse consultant with Shane Smith Law. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back Zach Smith, Clinical Director at Constant Therapy, to discuss how this groundbreaking digital platform is transforming rehabilitation for individuals recovering from brain injurie...

In this episode of Mind Matters: Navigating Head Injuries and Concussions, host Kiley Como, legal nurse consultant at Shane Smith Law, sits down with Zach Smith, a clinical director and speech-language pathologist at Constant Therapy. Together, they explore how digital rehabilitation tools are revolutionizing aphasia therapy and neurological recovery. Zach shares insights on how AI-powered speech...

Struggling to understand concussions and brain injuries? Today, Dr. Jeremy Hertza breaks down how neuropsych assessments guide treatment, legal cases, and recovery—so you know what’s really happening inside the brain. In Pain? Call Shane! (980) 999-9999 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/in-pain-call-shane/ Want $25.00? Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter for weekly chances to win trivia: https://share.h...

Welcome to Mind Matters! In this episode, host Kiley Como sits down with Dr. Jeremy Hertza, a board-certified neuropsychologist, to break down how traumatic brain injuries and concussions are evaluated, managed, and treated. From acute symptoms to complex neuropsychological assessments, learn what really happens inside the brain after injury and why thorough testing is critical for recovery and le...

Join us in this episode of Mind Matters as we sit down with Dr. Erik Reis, a board-certified functional neurologist and certified brain injury specialist. We dive deep into the world of functional neurology, chiropractic medicine, and brain health—exploring how these integrative approaches help patients recover from concussions, traumatic brain injuries, migraines, vertigo, and more. Learn how fun...

Welcome back to Mind Matters: Navigating Head Injuries and Concussions. I’m your host Kiley Como, legal nurse consultant at Shane Smith Law. Today, we’re joined once again by Sherry, devoted caregiver, career leader, and creator of the Harmony Hero Framework. Together, we’ll explore how caregiving and leadership intersect—how resilience, emotional intelligence, and empathy can help caregivers and...

Welcome back to Mind Matters: Navigating Head Injuries and Concussions. I’m your host, Kiley Como, legal nurse consultant here at Shane Smith Law. Today, I’m joined by Sherry Grote — caregiver, career leader, and creator of the Harmony Hero Framework. After her husband’s near-fatal brain stem stroke, Sherry found herself balancing caregiving, family life, and a high-powered corporate career. In th...

Welcome back to Mind Matters! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Joshua Wheeler, a chiropractor at Lookout Valley Chiropractic in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Wheeler specializes in helping patients recover from auto accidents, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal concerns. We’ll dive into how chiropractic care plays a vital role in concussion and TBI recovery, the signs to watch...

Trouble sleeping after a concussion or head injury? Waking up at 3AM, feeling dizzy, or constantly exhausted? In this episode, we explore how traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect circadian rhythms, cause sleep disturbances, and lead to common but misunderstood symptoms like vertigo and insomnia. Learn what doctors often miss, how to ask the right questions, and what strategies might help you or...

What happens when a stroke is misdiagnosed not once, but twice—and it changes everything? In this powerful episode of Mind Matters, we talk to a brain injury specialist whose personal health crisis shifted his entire approach to diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and invisible neurological damage. Discover why most ER tests miss mild TBIs, how eye tracking reveal...

Welcome to another episode of Mind Matters, where we explore the real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating head injuries and concussions. In today’s conversation, we dive deep into the journey of finding acceptance after a traumatic brain injury, embracing a new identity, and building a strong support network. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode off...

Welcome to Mind Matters, where we explore powerful stories and expert insights on navigating head injuries and concussions. In this episode, we hear from a traumatic brain injury survivor whose life was forever changed after a devastating car crash in 2008. Despite facing double vision, neuro fatigue, and cognitive challenges, she has become a passionate advocate for brain injury awareness and rec...

Imagine living for over a decade with symptoms no one could explain—until one moment changed everything. In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality of a traumatic brain injury that went undiagnosed for 11 years. You'll hear how invisible symptoms were overlooked, why traditional scans missed the damage, and how one survivor finally found the right help. If you've ever questioned a diagn...

In this episode of Mind Matter, we explore how stress, trauma, and emotional health impact brain function, particularly in relation to Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Learn how psychotherapy and physical therapy can help rewire the brain and reduce symptoms like functional seizures, paralysis, and anxiety. We discuss evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the ro...

In this episode of Mind Matters, legal nurse consultant Kiley Como sits down with neurologist Dr. Mackenzie "Z" Lerario to break down Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — a misunderstood brain condition often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Dr. Lerario explains: ✅ What FND is and how it differs from stroke or epilepsy ✅ Why normal brain scans don’t rule out real symptoms ✅ The role of stress, t...

Most people have never heard of the brain’s lymphatic system—but it could be the missing piece in understanding concussion recovery, brain fog, and even Alzheimer’s. In this episode of Mind Matters, we dive into how your brain removes toxic waste during sleep, why that process breaks down after a traumatic brain injury, and what you can do to support your brain’s natural detox system through sleep...

If you've ever experienced brain fog, sleep issues, or mood changes after a concussion, you're not alone—and there's a scientific reason behind it. In this episode, we explore how concussions affect the brain’s ability to heal, the role of neurogenesis in memory and emotion, and why symptoms can linger for weeks. Plus, we uncover the surprising connection between popcorn and your brain’s recovery...

If you’ve ever wondered how trauma can leave lasting scars on the brain and body—long after the injuries fade—this episode is for you. We’re exploring the hidden effects of brain injuries, memory gaps, and the misdiagnoses that too many survivors face. Learn why trauma-informed care matters, how first responders and legal systems can do better, and what true recovery really looks like from the ins...

Unresolved trauma doesn’t just live in your mind—it reshapes your brain, disrupts your body, and hides behind chronic illnesses like fatigue, brain fog, and pain. In this episode, we expose how childhood trauma and emotional wounds can silently drive autoimmune disorders, anxiety, and even heart disease. If you’ve ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by symptoms no doctor can explain,...

Imagine waking up and not remembering your wedding day—or even your kids' names. That’s the reality Tiffani faces every day after a traumatic brain injury changed her life forever. In this video, she opens up about memory loss, unexpected seizures, and the challenges of rebuilding her identity. Her story is raw, powerful, and one you won’t forget. Stay tuned to hear what life with a TBI really loo...

After a traumatic brain injury, knowing what to expect can be just as important as the treatment itself. In this video, Kiley Como sits down with Dr. Erik Reis to break down the realities of TBI recovery—from why every brain heals differently to how sleep, trust, and communication shape the healing process. Whether you're a patient or a loved one, this conversation will change how you think about...

In this episode of Mind Matters, we're diving into the personal journey of Tiffani Netter, a survivor of traumatic brain injury. Tiffani shares her powerful story of surviving a car accident, the challenges she faced in the aftermath, and the steps she took toward healing. From dealing with memory loss and seizures to the support of a service dog, Tiffani's experience sheds light on the complex re...

Brain injuries from domestic violence often go unnoticed, leaving survivors to navigate hidden trauma alone. Today, we’re diving deep into the intersection of trauma, domestic violence, and brain injury. If you missed our first discussion, be sure to check it out. We're unpacking the challenges survivors face—from medical misdiagnosis to legal barriers—and what can be done to support them. Let’s g...