Dysautonomia Explained - Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction Post-Brain Injury (with Dr. Ryan Harvey)
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In this episode…
Recovery after a brain injury can feel like solving a puzzle, uncovering the pieces and trying to put it all together. For many, dysautonomia is the missing piece of the puzzle that explains why symptoms like brain fog, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue persist long after the initial impact.
In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center to pull back the curtain on the autonomic nervous system and explain why a problem with the autonomic nervous system and blood flow might be the real reason you’re struggling to find stability. Dr. Harvey also shares his powerful personal journey from a child experiencing mysterious fainting episodes to becoming a lead clinician helping others navigate the same complex neurological dysfunctions.
🧠 In this episode:
Understanding dysautonomia as a dysfunction in how your brain signals blood flow throughout the body.
Neurogenic inflammation from a head injury can last much longer than typical body inflammation, often triggering autonomic issues.
Identifying the wide range of symptoms of dysautonomia, from cold hands and feet to GI issues and exercise intolerance.
Why simple positional changes, like standing up or showering, can become major hurdles for cerebral perfusion.
Practical, controllable strategies for taking the next step forward.
How to move from a state of overstimulation into a multimodal rehabilitation plan where life eventually becomes your therapy.
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 this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. 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.
