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The Cognitive FX Blog

Your source for everything you need to know about traumatic brain injury and concussions.

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Traumatic Brain Injury

Mind-Eye Institute vs. Cognitive FX for Concussion and TBI Treatment

Mind-Eye Institute vs. Cognitive FX for TBI & Concussion

Image of Andy Clower, ATC
Andy Clower, ATC

Founded about 30 years ago by Dr. Deborah Zelinsky, the Illinois-based Mind-Eye Institute (formerly known as Mind-Eye Connection) specializes in treating patients with visual processing disorders related to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as stroke and concussion, learning disorders such as ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder, among other conditions. 

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Post-Concussion Syndrome Care at Mayo Clinic vs. Cognitive FX

Post-Concussion Syndrome Care at Mayo Clinic vs. Cognitive FX

Image of Dr. Mark Allen Ph. D.
Dr. Mark Allen Ph. D.

If you have post-concussion syndrome, you might think that the Mayo Clinic would be a serious contender as your treatment provider. After all, the Mayo Clinic is a world-renowned medical and research center with facilities in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota. Patients have access to a wide range of medical specialties and healthcare options, with over 100 medical and surgical services available throughout the system. Their drive and dedication have earned them many top rankings in varied specialties, including endocrinology, gastroenterology, and cancer, to name just a few. 

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Why Most Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome Treatment Falls Short

Why Most Post-trauma Vision Syndrome Treatment Falls Short

Image of Andy Clower, ATC
Andy Clower, ATC

As you read this text, your brain is processing the incoming visual information and sending directions to your eyes so they maintain focus on what you want to read. But if you have post-traumatic vision syndrome (PTVS) and your eyes do not work together efficiently, you may have a hard time keeping track of what you’re reading and develop a headache from your efforts. You may have also noticed that everyday activities that should be automatic — like reaching for an object, driving, or going shopping — require more effort. 

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How to Recover From Chronic Concussion Syndrome

How to Recover From Chronic Concussion Syndrome

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Many people are surprised to learn that concussions can have long-term effects if left untreated. Chronic concussion syndrome is a less common term for persistent post-concussion symptoms (also known as post-concussion syndrome, or PCS). If you suffer from headaches, brain fog, vision issues, fatigue, short-term memory problems, irritability, feelings of overwhelm, or other persistent symptoms after a head injury, you might have chronic concussion syndrome.

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Post-Traumatic Headaches: Causes and Treatment Options

Post-Traumatic Headaches: Causes and Treatment Options

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Headache pain is the most common symptom after a traumatic brain injury, with up to 90% of patients experiencing this symptom for at least a few days after suffering a concussion. These headaches can also develop after other causes of head trauma, such as bacterial and viral brain infections, carbon monoxide poisoning, “chemo” brain, transient ischemic attack, and COVID-19

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Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery: Can You Recover from a TBI?

Image of Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.
Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.

If you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it’s natural to want to know how long and how difficult your recovery is going to be. There are so many factors affecting recovery time — such as the specifics of the injury, gender, treatment options, and more. Remember, the length and extent of your recovery is unique to you. Recovery stories vary even between patients with similar injuries. 

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A Complete Guide to Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post Concussion Syndrome: Persistent Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Image of Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.
Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.

Post-concussion syndrome, also known as persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS), occurs when concussion symptoms persist for months or years after you sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or another type of brain trauma. If you or a loved one received a post-concussion syndrome (PCS) diagnosis, you're probably wondering if it's treatable. (Short answer: yes!) You may also want to know how long recovery takes, what you can do to alleviate symptoms, and whether what you're experiencing is "normal."

We treat hundreds of post-concussion patients every year and regularly answer these questions for our patients. This guide will help you understand post-concussion syndrome in depth by answering a number of questions, including:

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Why Concussion Can Lead to Blood Pressure Changes & POTS

Why Concussion Can Lead to Blood Pressure Changes and POTS

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion (mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI), and other head trauma can cause high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and other circulatory system changes. Head injury may lead to dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (a condition known as dysautonomia), which in turn can cause blood pressure dysfunction and other symptoms to persist for months or years after the injury. Some patients experience a particular type of dysautonomia known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which we discuss further in the post.

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The Patient’s Guide to Post-Concussion Heart Rate Increase, Heart Palpitations, and More

The Patient’s Guide to Post-Concussion Heart Rate Increase, Heart Palpitations, and More

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Perhaps this sounds familiar: You wake up from a relaxing nap expecting to feel refreshed, but instead, your heart is pounding for no reason. Or you stand up after a few hours on the couch and feel lightheaded and unstable. Maybe your resting heart rate is now 90, even though it used to be 65.

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Cognitive Therapy for Brain Injury: What It Is and How It Can Help with Severe TBI or Concussion

Cognitive Therapy for Brain Injury: What It Is and How It Can Help with Severe TBI or Concussion

Image of Michelle Huish
Michelle Huish

If you’ve had a severe or mild traumatic brain injury (severe TBI or mild TBI) that’s left you with post-concussion syndrome (PCS), just thinking can be taxing. Cognitive health is “the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember,” but a brain injury can disrupt these processes, either temporarily or in the long term. This can make day-to-day functioning a challenge, to say the least. 

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Navigating Mental Health After Severe TBI and Concussion

Mental Health After TBI or Concussion: Recovery Is Possible

Image of Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.
Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.

Mild or severe traumatic brain injury (concussion and TBI) can cause upsetting changes to your mental health. Brain injury can worsen pre-existing mental illness or cause new symptoms —  such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Don’t give up hope: There are good treatment programs that can help you recover.

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Emotions, Memory, and More: The After Effects of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or Mini-Stroke)

Emotions, Memory, and More: The After Effects of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or Mini-Stroke)

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Here’s something you probably won’t hear in the emergency room: A transient ischemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) can have symptoms that last for months or years afterward. Many healthcare providers think these symptoms are rare or at least short term, but a 2013 survey from the UK Stroke Association showed otherwise. Seventy percent of respondents reported long-term after effects such as cognitive difficulties or poor mobility. And sixty percent had emotional changes after the incident.

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