Imagine regaining movement after years of immobility. Julie Graham, OT and therapy development specialist at MicroTransponder, discusses her extensive 20-year career in occupational therapy and her work with Vivistim, a device designed for chronic ischemic stroke survivors. Vivistim pairs vagus nerve stimulation with physical and occupational therapy to enhance neuroplasticity and regain motor functions in the affected upper extremity. Julie explains the role of the vagus nerve in rewiring the brain's connections and how Vivistim is different from e-stim (external electrical stimulation). While the FDA has only approved Vivistim for chronic ischemic survivors, there are multiple studies for all types of brain injury, so Julie hopes access will be expanded soon. She also shares real-life success stories of stroke survivors who have regained significant abilities.

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Dr. Brandon Crawford, a prominent neurologist and researcher, discusses his journey into the field of developmental functional neurology and how through the use of PhotoBioModulation, incorporated with traditional neurological treatments, revolutionizes brain injury recovery. He is renowned in the field of photobiomodulation, or laser therapy, and its role in accelerating neuroplasticity and enhancing brain function. Influenced by personal as well as professional experiences, Dr. Crawford explains the differences between traditional and functional neurology; all the time focusing on brain function, neuroplasticity, energy management,  getting to the root cause of neurological dysfunction, and holistic approaches. Additional topics include brain health, hormonal imbalances that can lead to strokes, inflammatory load, immune components and most importantly post-injury care. Listeners are challenged to investigate new, novel therapies as well as grasp the fact that recovery and brain adaptation are ongoing processes and not time limited.

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New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts.

🎙️ Do you want to support us?

• Give us some feedback, tell us what bindwaves has meant for you by emailing us at bindwaves@thebind.org
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Mandy Collins, speech therapist and case manager, shares her unique challenges of working with brain injury survivors, the importance of community integration post-injury, and the role of home and community-based rehabilitation. She highlights the importance of patient self-advocacy, shared goal-setting, and resources, such as BIND, for ongoing support. Mandy emphasizes the ongoing nature of recovery and the broad scope of work for speech therapists within the neurorehabilitation field.

Support the show

New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts.

🎙️ Do you want to support us?

• Give us some feedback, tell us what bindwaves has meant for you by emailing us at bindwaves@thebind.org
• Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
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• Make a monthly or one time donation at www.thebind.org
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🧑‍💻Visit our website! thebind.org/bindwaves