Welcome to The Brain and Behavior Clinic

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is subjected to trauma—whether struck by an object, pierced by an object, or shaken. Often incurred during car accidents or headfirst falls, TBIs can be categorized into three types—mild, moderate, and severe. Moderate and severe TBIs are often marked by prolonged loss of consciousness and bleeding in the brain, while mild TBIs—most commonly referred to as concussions—are typically characterized by a brief period of loss of consciousness, confusion, feeling dazed, and/or slowed processing.

While these symptoms usually resolve within a day or two, sometimes thinking problems persist, resulting in what is called Post Concussion Syndrome.

Post-concussion syndrome refers to a constellation of symptoms that arise and persist after a concussion has been sustained. Though the damage incurred from a concussion is often thought to be fairly benign, and is typically not observable on CT or MRI, if prolonged it can cause significant problems in multiple aspects of a person's life.  Post Concussion Syndrome is characterized by physical, emotional, and cognitive (thinking) problems, which all interact with each other, resulting in an overall worsening of a person's ability to function in their life.

Post-concussion syndrome looks different for everyone, but common symptoms include memory impairment, attention and concentration problems, slowed processing, emotional or cognitive overwhelm, lack of motivation, depression, anxiety, headaches, and fatigue. If you’re experiencing any of these or other recent changes to your physical; cognitive; or behavioral health, a treatment consultation may help you find answers and lead you to a path of recovery.

If you feel that you are falling behind cognitively, processing more slowly than you used to, or are simply not feeling like yourself, your brain health is not at its optimum, and your cognitive function is likely suffering as a result. If you’ve been experiencing persistent anxiety or depression, the resulting stress to the brain may be causing subtle cognitive decline, as well. If you’re unsure of your brain’s health status, we can help you determine deficiencies and achieve the optimal function your brain is capable of. 

If Alzheimer’s disease has been in your family, you may be at a heightened risk. However, the risk is alterable, and you can take preventative action. Beyond genetic predisposition, there are a number of holistic health factors that can contribute to cognitive decline—all of which can be addressed and altered. Dr. Dale Bredesen—internationally recognized pioneer in neurological research and founder of the The Bredesen Protocol—has discovered 36 factors that can contribute to cognitive decline, including nutritional status, metabolic functioning, sleep habits, and stress management. When identified and addressed early on, related risk factors can be reduced in prevention of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

With age, forgetfulness that does not interfere with a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis can be considered normal. If memory loss does become debilitating, harmful, or excessive, it is not a normal part of aging. This abnormal level of memory loss is generally referred to as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Though not always clear, there are ways to distinguish between age-related memory changes and abnormal memory problems. Memory problems associated with MCI are more frequent and invasive than normal forgetfulness, and are generally noticeable by others in your life.

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is subjected to trauma—whether struck by an object, pierced by an object, or shaken. Often incurred during car accidents or headfirst falls, TBIs can be categorized into three types—mild, moderate, and severe. Moderate and severe TBIs are often marked by prolonged loss of consciousness and bleeding in the brain, while mild TBIs—most commonly referred to as concussions—are typically characterized by a brief period of loss of consciousness, confusion, feeling dazed, and/or slowed processing.

While these symptoms usually resolve within a day or two, sometimes thinking problems persist, resulting in what is called Post Concussion Syndrome.

Post-concussion syndrome refers to a constellation of symptoms that arise and persist after a concussion has been sustained. Though the damage incurred from a concussion is often thought to be fairly benign, and is typically not observable on CT or MRI, if prolonged it can cause significant problems in multiple aspects of a person's life.  Post Concussion Syndrome is characterized by physical, emotional, and cognitive (thinking) problems, which all interact with each other, resulting in an overall worsening of a person's ability to function in their life.

Post-concussion syndrome looks different for everyone, but common symptoms include memory impairment, attention and concentration problems, slowed processing, emotional or cognitive overwhelm, lack of motivation, depression, anxiety, headaches, and fatigue. If you’re experiencing any of these or other recent changes to your physical; cognitive; or behavioral health, a treatment consultation may help you find answers and lead you to a path of recovery.

At the Brain and Behavior Clinic, treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of any cognitive compromise you may have experienced. An individualized treatment program, involving a combination of cognitive rehabilitation, travel counseling, and medications to improve sleep and processing speed is prescribed and administered. Typically, patients recover and return to optimal brain function within three to six months.

Specializing in the relationship between the physical brain and behavior, a neuropsychologist works closely with other physicians—including neurologists, neurosurgeons, chiropractors, orthopedists, and primary care physicians—to evaluate and treat people with various types of nervous system disorders. They typically determine a diagnosis and/or develop a treatment plan that involves medication, rehabilitation therapy, and/or surgery.

Neuropsychological testing is an evaluation of organic brain function in relation to a demographically matched standard. Typically, an evaluation begins with an interview to ascertain the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks, identify memory issues and mental health concerns, and acquire basic medical information. Next, a series of paper and computer tests is administered to measure relative memory and cognitive ability, identify personality traits, and assess emotional wellbeing.

If you feel that you are falling behind cognitively, processing more slowly than you used to, or are simply not feeling like yourself, your brain health is not at its optimum, and your cognitive function is likely suffering as a result. If you’ve been experiencing persistent anxiety or depression, the resulting stress to the brain may be causing subtle cognitive decline, as well. If you’re unsure of your brain’s health status, we can help you determine deficiencies and achieve the optimal function your brain is capable of. Learn about treatment at the Healthy Brain Clinic.

Alzheimer’s disease is preceded by early dementia stages—Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). SCI refers to self-identified cognitive changes that can’t be perceived by other people; and MCI refers to cognitive changes that can be perceived by other people but that only mildly impact one’s functionality. Both SCI and MCI can be early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, but cognitive decline at these stages is very much reversible; and by addressing it immediately, one can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative disease.

If Alzheimer’s disease has been in your family, you may be at a heightened risk. However, the risk is alterable, and you can take preventative action. Beyond genetic predisposition, there are a number of holistic health factors that can contribute to cognitive decline—all of which can be addressed and altered. Dr. Dale Bredesen—internationally recognized pioneer in neurological research and founder of the The Bredesen Protocol—has discovered 36 factors that can contribute to cognitive decline, including nutritional status, metabolic functioning, sleep habits, and stress management. When identified and addressed early on, related risk factors can be reduced in prevention of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Effective treatment of the brain relies on a functional approach to the health of the whole person. That’s why we employ a wide range of therapies when addressing brain health—whether treating a traumatic brain injury, reversing age-related cognitive decline, or preventing Alzheimer’s disease. While treatment looks different for every individual, it can involve any combination of nutritional, cognitive, behavioral, psychological, medicines and/or supplements or other occupational therapies.

With age, forgetfulness that does not interfere with a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis can be considered normal. If memory loss does become debilitating, harmful, or excessive, it is not a normal part of aging. This abnormal level of memory loss is generally referred to as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Though not always clear, there are ways to distinguish between age-related memory changes and abnormal memory problems. Memory problems associated with MCI are more frequent and invasive than normal forgetfulness, and are generally noticeable by others in your life.