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In this episode…
Struggling with cognitive function after a brain injury can make everyday life feel exhausting, leaving you overwhelmed by tasks that used to be automatic. When your brain is constantly forced to expend energy just to balance, track visually, or coordinate movement, it can be hard to keep up. Higher-level thinking like focus, working memory, and following conversations can quickly break down, leading to an experience of frustration. Today, we are diving into what cognitive function truly is, the importance of rebuilding foundational neurological systems, and how targeted, playful strategies can help retrain your brain.
In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center to break down how to improve cognitive function after brain injury. Listen to discover practical ways to step down complex tasks, the benefits of dual-tasking and gamifying your cognitive rehab, and why learning to "control the controllables" is essential for sustainable progress.
✅ *FREE ON-DEMAND COURSE & LIVE Q&A: Access now and go at your own pace - PLUS, ask Dr. Harvey your questions at the Q&A Webinar on November 17. Sign up here: http://hopesurvives.org/cognitive-series
In this episode:
Understanding cognition as a multi-system network.
Why people are commonly frustrated after a brain injury in doing “normal” daily tasks.
Addressing reduced processing speed, conversational fatigue, and working memory challenges.
Why rehabilitation requires proper sequencing to establish basic motor and visual baselines before tackling complex tasks.
How gamifying cognitive exercises and incorporating motor-cognitive dual-tasking builds real-world stamina.
Cultivating resilience by focusing on what remains within your control.
Meet Our Guest
Dr. Ryan Harvey DC DACNB CFMP
Dr. Ryan Harvey is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist (DACNB) and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP), dedicated to empowering patients on their health journey through individually tailored care. He helps those afflicted with post-concussion symptoms, dizziness, TBI, dysautonomia, and many other complex neurological dysfunctions.
Dr. Harvey received his bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry. He then went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude with his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University in Atlanta, GA.
While at Life University, Dr. Harvey interned at the NeuroLife Institute, Life University's on-campus Functional Neurology clinic, where he contributed to ongoing research evaluating the effects of applied clinical neuroscience care on self-reported symptoms of depression in adults with medication-resistant depression.
Dr. Harvey has studied over 1,000 hours of postgraduate clinical neuroscience and is proud to have completed his core training at the Carrick Institute of Graduate Studies, where he also teaches continuing education courses as a faculty member. He has also completed extensive training in Functional Medicine at the Kharrazian Institute, deepening his skill set in addressing numerous metabolic dysfunctions. Dr. Harvey has treated professional athletes from numerous national and international organizations and has been featured as an expert source in Experience Lifetime Magazine.
Dr. Harvey is now the lead associate clinician at The Functional Neurology Center in Minnetonka, Minnesota. More than a clinician, Dr. Harvey also teaches in various settings, including lecturing on a range of clinical applications to the Functional Neurology Club at Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring our podcast and programs. The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. When you trust your brain to the team at The Functional Neurology Center, they take the time to get to know the whole you so they can personalize your recovery program for your unique and complex condition. There is hope for a better tomorrow and the FNC is committed to helping you get back to what matters most. Learn more: thefnc.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
