The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland

Toxic By Design: How Bad Builds Create Toxic Homes—and How to Fight Back
On this episode of The Made to Heal Show, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with trial attorney Kristina Baehr, founder of Just Well Law, to uncover how construction defects, hidden water damage, and building failures can turn seemingly beautiful—and even brand-new—homes into toxic environments.
Kristina shares her family's experience after moving into a relatively new, airtight, spray-foam home where construction defects—including poor flashing, hidden water intrusion, and improper HVAC dehumidification—contributed to serious health problems. She discusses why the problem was initially missed, what ultimately revealed the issues inside their home, and how the experience transformed the direction of her legal career.
After winning a $3.8 million trial verdict against an HVAC company and reaching settlements with other parties, Kristina began helping other families affected by toxic exposures. In this conversation, she and Dr. Kasey explore the intersection of mold, modern construction, health, and legal accountability.
Kristina explains what homeowners and renters should know when they suspect a building is making them sick, including the importance of independent assessments, documentation, photographs, appropriate testing, and preserving evidence. She also discusses her firm's work involving renters, dormitories, military housing, contaminated water, and other environmental exposures—and why accountability may ultimately help create safer buildings and healthier communities.
IN THIS EPISODE
00:00 — Healing Hidden Mold: Rights, Resilience & Accountabilityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY
02:07 — Kristina's Storyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=127s
14:22 — Building Defects & Toxic Homeshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=862s
20:19 — Legal Rights & Rentershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=1219s
53:32 — Impact Litigation & Dorm Caseshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=3212s
01:00:40 — Where to Find Helphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=3640s
CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAEHR & JUST WELL LAW
2026 study on indoor mold, cytotoxicity, and immune effects
Wolff A, Reinert J, Steinborn S, et al. Establishment of a Human Cell-Based In Vitro Test System for Investigating and Evaluating Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Indoor Mold. Environmental Toxicology. Published online July 22, 2026. doi:10.1002/tox.70164. PMID: 42482603. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42482603/
Website: https://well.law/Instagram: @justwelllawFounder: Kristina Baehr, Trial Attorney
Just Well Law represents families affected by toxic mold, toxic housing, contaminated soil and water, and gas and chemical exposures.
CONNECT WITH DR. KASEY HOLLAND
Instagram: @drkaseyhollandPodcast Instagram: @madetohealshowWebsite: https://drkaseyholland.com/Podcast: The Made to Heal Show
ABOUT THE MADE TO HEAL SHOW
The Made to Heal Show explores the hidden obstacles that can keep people sick, stuck, and searching for answers—from chronic infections and viral reactivations to environmental toxins, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation.
Because you weren't made to just struggle. You were made to heal.

Guest: Dr. Eboni Cornish, MD — Physician, educator, and thought leader in brain health and longevity. Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics (Washington, DC), creator of the NeuroLongevity Framework, and President of the Board of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). Episode Summary Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Eboni Cornish to explore the brain-first approach to chronic illness, longevity, and mental health. Dr. Cornish shares her journey from traditional family medicine to functional medicine and brain imaging, explaining how SPECT scans reveal root causes that standard MRIs miss. Key Topics Discussed The NeuroLongevity Framework — addressing neuroinflammation, chronic infections, hormones, environmental toxicity, gut health, and nervous system regulation SPECT scan imaging vs. MRI — how functional brain imaging shows blood flow and activity (not just structure), revealing inflammation, trauma patterns, and limbic system dysfunction The limbic system & trauma — why a "locked" limbic system can prevent healing even when other treatments are correct, and tools like biofeedback, neurofeedback, and vagus nerve stimulation Hormones and brain health — the critical role of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol in protecting the brain, especially for women as they age Chronic infections (Lyme, mold, EBV) — why treating the infection alone isn't enough; the brain damage and inflammatory cascade left behind must also be addressed Gut-brain-thyroid connection — how gluten sensitivity and gut inflammation can trigger autoimmune thyroid issues The power of gratitude and faith — Dr. Cornish's daily practice and final takeaway message for listeners Memorable Quote "Dementia is reversible. Diabetes is reversible. Brain inflammation is reversible." — Dr. Eboni Cornish Connect with Dr. Eboni Cornish Website: dreboniecornish.com Instagram: @dr.ebonicornish Amen Clinics, Washington, DC (accepting new patients, telehealth available) Connect with ILADS International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society — find Lyme-literate physicians in your area

The Made to Heal Show Episode: The Hidden Toxin Crisis — with Dr. Paul Savage
Episode Summary Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Paul Savage, founder and Chief Medical Officer of MD Lifespan, to discuss the growing toxin crisis facing modern society and how Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is offering a breakthrough solution for chronically ill patients and those seeking to optimize long-term health.
 
In This Episode:
Dr. Savage's journey from ER physician to pioneer in functional medicine and toxin reduction
Why the U.S. is one of the most toxic countries in the world (80–200,000 environmental toxins identified by the Environmental Working Group)
How 100 million tons of toxins are added to the environment every year — and why today's toxin burden is unlike anything seen in previous decades
The five pillars of health — and why detox is the most neglected
What Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is and how it works (the "oil change" for the human body)
Why albumin from Grifols is used instead of donor plasma — and why it's safe
Who benefits most from TPE: chronically ill patients, those with high toxic burden, and those with family history of cancer or Alzheimer's
How toxin levels in healthy adults have risen from ~4 to ~13+ detectable toxins over the past 20 years
The connection between toxins, cancer, autoimmune disease, mast cell activation, and neurodegeneration
How patients who completed the TPE protocol five years ago continue to show lower toxin levels today
 
Resources Mentioned:
📖 "Avoiding Toxins" — Free download at mdlifespan.com (written by five toxicologists and Dr. Savage)
🧪 Toxin Testing — Available to purchase at mdlifespan.com, includes a clinician review of your results
📅 Schedule a Consultation — Visit mdlifespan.com to schedule a call and learn if TPE is right for you
 
Connect with Dr. Paul Savage: 🌐 mdlifespan.com
Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland & The Made to Heal Show: 🌐 The Made to Heal Show — your resource for functional and integrative medicine
 
Because you weren't made to just struggle. You were made to heal and thrive.

In this episode, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Nicole Bell — CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, MIT-trained engineer, and author of the bestselling memoir What Lurks in the Woods — to discuss why current Lyme disease testing is failing patients, what direct detection testing means for the future of diagnosis, and how Nicole turned her family's devastating experience into a mission to change the standard of care for tick-borne illness.
About Nicole Bell
Nicole Bell is the CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics and author of What Lurks in the Woods, a raw and powerful memoir detailing her family's journey with undiagnosed tick-borne illness. She holds degrees from MIT and Duke University and has an extensive background in medical diagnostics and device development. After losing her husband Russ to complications from undiagnosed Lyme disease, Bartonella, and Babesia, Nicole dedicated her career to ensuring no family has to go through what hers did.
What We Cover
Nicole's personal story: how her husband went from misdiagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's to finally receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis — 15 months too late
Why standard antibody testing (Western blot) fails so many patients — and the science behind why
The critical window: waiting just 30 days after a tick bite more than doubles your risk of developing chronic symptoms
What "direct detection" testing means and why it's a game-changer for Lyme diagnosis
Galaxy Diagnostics' urine antigen test for Borrelia and high-sensitivity blood-based tests for Bartonella and Babesia
Why Lyme isn't just one infection — co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia require completely different treatments
Digital PCR: how Galaxy's technology finds the "needle in a haystack" of low-abundance pathogens
Provocation methods (sauna, exercise, herbal protocols) — do they improve test sensitivity?
Why patients with brain fog shouldn't have to navigate complex testing decisions alone
The future: Galaxy's path toward FDA clearance and making direct detection the new standard of care
Key Takeaways
Don't trust a negative Western blot alone. Antibody tests miss early infection, immune-suppressed patients, and chronic cases. Demand better.
Time matters. The sooner tick-borne illness is detected and treated, the better the outcome.
You know your body. If something feels wrong, keep digging — even when doctors dismiss you.
Think beyond ticks. Bartonella can be transmitted by fleas and lice — pets can be a vector.
These pathogens are thieves. They steal identities and lives. But with better tools, we can stop them.
Resources & Links
🌐 Galaxy Diagnostics: galaxydx.com
📖 What Lurks in the Woods by Nicole Bell — available on Amazon
📲 Follow Nicole: @GalaxyDx on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn
🧪 ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society): ilads.org
🧪 ISEAI (International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness): iseai.org
Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland
🌐 Website: [madetohealpodcast.com]
📲 Instagram: @drkaseyholland
🎙️ Subscribe to The Made to Heal Show wherever you listen to podcasts
The Made to Heal Show dives deep into the hidden obstacles that keep people sick, stuck, and searching for answers — from chronic infections and viral reactivations to environmental toxins, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation. Because you weren't made to just struggle. You were made to heal and thrive.

What does a pharmacist's heart attack at 33 have to do with mold, childhood trauma, and nervous system dysregulation? Everything. In this episode, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with functional medicine pharmacist Dr. John Kim to explore the hidden layers beneath chronic illness — and why treating the symptom is never enough.
In this episode:
How Dr. Kim's near-fatal heart attack at 33 — caused by an 85% LAD blockage — led him to uncover a root-cause web of Bartonella, mold toxicity, heavy metals, and parasitic infections
Why your nervous system's "familiarity bias" can block healing before it even starts — and the visualization technique Dr. Kim uses in the first 5 minutes of every patient call
The cell danger response explained: what it is, how it gets triggered by infections, mold, EMF, and childhood trauma, and why it keeps patients stuck
How phosphatidylcholine (IVPC) and lipid membrane replacement therapy helped Dr. Kim reclaim his brain, energy, and health
The ENCORE Method — Dr. Kim's sequenced clinical framework: Environmental factors, Nervous system regulation, Cellular optimization, Organ support & detox, Rebalancing the microbiome, Enhancing resiliency
Why childhood trauma, narcissistic parenting, and emotional neglect can trigger neuroinflammation as severe as growing up in a war zone
The role of circadian biology, morning sunlight, and HeartMath breathing in resetting the body's danger response state
Why "killing the thing" (mold, parasites, Lyme) is not where you start — and the hierarchical sequencing Dr. Kim uses in complex cases
The "Humpty Dumpty Effect": why cellular instability builds silently until one trigger cracks everything open
Key concepts mentioned: MCAS · Cell Danger Response (Dr. Robert Naviaux) · Lipid membrane replacement therapy · IVPC / phosphatidylcholine · Sodium phenylbutyrate · BodyBio · HeartMath · Bartonella · PTSD & childhood trauma · Circadian biology · Microglial priming · Biofilm protocol · ENCORE Method
Find Dr. John Kim: 🌐 drjohnkim.com — free assessment tool, ENCORE Method details, and upcoming community mentorship
Timestamps:
0:00 — Introduction
2:46 — Dr. Kim's heart attack, mold & Bartonella recovery story
15:42 — Nervous system, cell danger response & patient protocol
27:01 — The ENCORE Method framework
38:47 — Closing takeaways: healing is never linear

Episode 8: Cellular Membrane Therapy in Chronic Illness with Dr. Melanie Stein
The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland
Episode Summary
In this powerful episode, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Melanie Stein, Medical Director of Restorative Health Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Stein shares her deeply personal journey with neurological Lyme disease — from waking up paralyzed during naturopathic school to being dismissed by the medical community, to ultimately finding healing through a cellular medicine approach. Now she's using that same approach to help patients with complex chronic illness recover when nothing else has worked.
What You'll Learn
Why Dr. Stein specializes in complex chronic illness and Lyme disease
The concept of cell membrane therapy and why it works when antibiotics alone don't
What oxidative stress does to your cells — and how infections like Lyme, mold, and COVID make it worse
The cell danger response: what it is, why your body gets stuck in it, and how to exit it
Why IV phosphatidylcholine and IV butyrate are the core of Dr. Stein's treatment protocol — and why oral versions often aren't enough
How mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) connects to cellular membrane damage
The role of red light therapy, low-level laser, and vagus nerve modalities in supporting healing
Why treating the infection alone isn't enough — and what happens when you skip cellular restoration
Dr. Stein's top two pieces of advice for anyone living with Lyme or complex chronic illness
Key Concepts
Germ vs. Terrain Theory — why both the pathogen and the cellular environment must be addressed
Lipidomic Testing — measuring phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and malondialdehyde (toxic fat) levels
Bulk Flow Concept — how high-dose IV therapy floods cells with healthy fat to displace toxic fat
Sodium Phenyl Butyrate — the IV form of butyrate that crosses into the brain, joints, and muscles to scrub toxic fats
About Dr. Melanie Stein
Dr. Melanie Stein is the Medical Director of Restorative Health Clinic, where she leads a multidisciplinary team specializing in complex chronic illness. She is the bestselling author of Breaking Through Chronic Illness and a frequent national speaker on chronic disease management. Her mission is to advance understanding of chronic illness and replace stigma with science.
 Instagram: @DrMelanieStein
 Website: Restorative Health Clinic (Portland, OR)
 Book: Breaking Through Chronic Illness
Resources Mentioned
ILADS — International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society
ISEAI — International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness
Breaking Through Chronic Illness by Dr. Melanie Stein
Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland & The Made to Heal Show
If you're struggling with chronic illness and looking for answers, you are not alone. Keep advocating for yourself, keep asking questions, and remember — you were made to heal.

Episode 7: Using Light, Water, and Sound to Optimize Health with Dr. Catherine Clinton Episode S
Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Catherine Clinton — licensed naturopathic physician, educator, and founder of the Quantum Biology Health Institute — to explore the emerging science of quantum biology and how our relationship with light, water, and sound can profoundly impact healing and long-term health. Drawing from her own experience being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease during medical school, Dr. Clinton shares how her healing journey led her to a deeper understanding of biology that goes far beyond the conventional chemical-mechanical model. What You'll Learn What quantum biology is and why it matters for health and healing How light — specifically morning sunlight — regulates cortisol, hormones, neurotransmitters, and the immune system Why LED and artificial light disrupts your body's circadian clock and blocks melatonin production Simple, free ways to use light as medicine every day The science of structured water and how the body creates negatively charged "liquid crystal" water at the cellular level Why hydration is about more than how much water you drink — and what makes water more bioavailable How sound, music, humming, and chanting regulate the nervous system and increase serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and nitric oxide Why these foundational inputs are often overlooked in chronic illness treatment plans — and why they should come first.
Guest: Dr. Catherine Clinton
Website: drcatherineclinton.com
New Book: Optimize: A Groundbreaking Seven-Step Plan to Better Health and Longevity Through Quantum Biology
Free workbook: drcatherineclinton.com/optimize
Resources Mentioned
EWG Tap Water Database (check your local water quality): ewg.org/tapwater
Gerald Pollack's research on structured water — University of Washington 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine — chronobiology research
Gram Fleming & Greg Ingle — quantum mechanics in living systems (UC Berkeley)
Key Takeaways
Get outside within 30 minutes of waking for morning light exposure
Dim lights and avoid LED/blue light in the evening
Stay hydrated with clean, mineralized water
Sing, hum, or listen to music you love — daily
These habits are free, accessible, and foundational to healing — regardless of what else you're treating

Beyond EBV: Why Adrenal Support Is Key to Overcoming Chronic Fatigue The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland
In this solo episode, Dr. Kasey Holland breaks down one of the most overlooked pieces of chronic fatigue recovery — adrenal support. Whether you're bedbound, battling brain fog, or just pushing through the week, your adrenals may be the missing link in your healing.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why testing positive for Epstein-Barr Virus doesn't tell the whole story — and what most practitioners are missing
How the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis impacts your energy, immune function, and ability to fight chronic infections
Why a "normal" cortisol test doesn't mean your adrenals are fine
The connection between stress, EBV reactivation, and adrenal fatigue (80% of Dr. Holland's patients report stress as a trigger)
How to check your nervous system regulation right now with a simple breathing exercise
The naturopathic therapeutic order for adrenal support — from B vitamins and adaptogenic herbs to glandulars and low-dose hydrocortisone
Key supplements & herbs mentioned:
B vitamins (mitochondrial + adrenal support)
Rhodiola
Astragalus (also supports natural killer cell function for EBV)
Bovine glandulars
Low-dose hydrocortisone (short-term support)
Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland:
Website: www.drkaseyholland.com

When Sudden Behavior Changes Signal Infection: The PANS/PANDAS Connection with Dr. Lindsey Wells
Podcast: The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey HollandGuest: Lindsey Wells, NDEpisode Topic: PANS & PANDAS, infection-triggered neuropsychiatric illness in children
Episode 4: Understanding PANS/PANDAS in Children with Dr. Lindsey Wells
Episode Description
In this episode of The Made to Heal Show, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Lindsey Wells, a naturopathic physician specializing in pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, and vector-borne diseases. Dr. Wells shares her expertise on recognizing, diagnosing, and treating these often-misunderstood conditions that affect 1 in 150-200 children.
Guest Bio
Dr. Lindsey Wells, ND is a naturopathic physician located in Trumble, Connecticut, focusing her practice on pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, vector-borne disease, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She is the immediate past president of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physician Association and a fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. Dr. Wells frequently lectures on PANS, PANDAS, and ASD to both professional and parent organizations.
Key Topics Covered
What Are PANS & PANDAS?
PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome): Triggered by various infections including mycoplasma, viruses, and bacteria
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus): Specifically triggered by strep infections
Affects approximately 1 in 150-200 children—more common than most people think
Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For
Sudden, acute onset of OCD
Abrupt anxiety and separation anxiety
Tics
Restrictive eating patterns
Urinary urgency, frequency, or bedwetting
Speech disfluency (stuttering, regression to baby talk)
Changes in handwriting
Diagnosis Approach
Clinical diagnosis based on medical history and symptom presentation
No single lab test confirms or rules out PANS/PANDAS
Comprehensive testing includes:
Strep antibodies
Mycoplasma testing
Vector-borne disease screening (Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia)
Nutritional markers
Inflammatory markers
Cerebral folate deficiency antibodies
The Three-Pronged Treatment Approach
Symptom Support: Providing immediate relief for the child and family
Antimicrobial Support: Addressing underlying infections with appropriate treatment
Immunomodulatory Support: Reducing inflammation and supporting immune function
Vector-Borne Disease Connection
Bartonella: Primary indicator is rage and aggression
Babesia: Presents with dysautonomia symptoms, air hunger, sound sensitivities
Not currently included in PANS diagnostic criteria but critically important to test
Strong overlap between vector-borne disease and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism
When PANS/PANDAS Resolves
Puberty: Hormonal changes can help with immune regulation
Blood-brain barrier closure: Age 21 for females, age 24 for males
Goal is to manage and decrease severity, frequency, and duration of flares until resolution
Simple At-Home Test
Ibuprofen trial: If symptoms improve with ibuprofen (10mg/kg, up to 600mg per dose), it indicates immune-mediated condition rather than primary behavioral issue
Dietary & Lifestyle Interventions
Focus on adding antimicrobial foods: garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, onions
Increase healthy oils: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil
Consider eliminating gluten and dairy if possible
Watch for food cravings (may indicate sensitivity)
Increase fiber and protein intake
Ensure adequate vitamin D, A, zinc, iron, and ferritin levels
Key Takeaways for Parents
Trust your instincts—you know your child best
Sudden behavioral changes warrant investigation
Anxiety medication alone won't address underlying immune/infection issues
Work with a provider who truly understands PANS/PANDAS
Maintain the three-pronged approach even during maintenance phase
Take care of yourself—when you're regulated, your child does better
Resources
Connect with Dr. Lindsay Wells:
Website: lindseywellsnd.com
Instagram: @lindseywellsnd
Practice: Wells Natural Medicine (Trumble, Connecticut)

The Made to Heal Show: The Hidden Path to Healing - Brain Health, Infections, and Recovery
Episode Overview
Join Dr. Kasey Holland as she sits down with Dr. Michelle Eisenmann, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist (DACNB), to explore the intricate world of brain health, traumatic brain injuries, and the often-overlooked connections between infections, toxins, and neurological recovery. This conversation dives deep into functional neurology, dysautonomia, and practical strategies anyone can implement to support their brain health.
Guest: Dr. Michelle Eisenmann, DC, DACNBHost: Dr. Kasey HollandEpisode Length: 50 minutes
About Dr. Michelle Eisenmann
Dr. Michelle Eisenmann is a functional neurologist with a unique perspective shaped by personal experience. She holds a doctorate in chiropractic from Parker University, a master's degree in clinical neurology, and is board certified by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB). She also has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of North Texas.
Her clinical focus includes:
Neuroplasticity
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Post-stroke rehabilitation
Vestibular dysfunction
Dysautonomia
Movement disorders
Dr. Eisenmann practices at Resiliency Brain Health in Hoppel, Texas (near DFW Airport) and offers online coaching through her Brain Charge program. She provides services in both English and Spanish.
Key Topics Covered
1. Dr. Eisenmann's Journey into Functional Neurology (0:45 - 9:45)
Dr. Eisenmann's path to functional neurology began with her family history. Her mother was a four-time cancer survivor who also lived with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a peripheral neuropathy that affected three of her four aunts. Growing up as both daughter and caretaker, Dr. Eisenmann witnessed firsthand the limitations of conventional medicine's "see you in six months" approach.
The turning point came when she discovered functional neurology through an online case study of a hemiplegic boy (meaning half his body wasn't working) who returned to playing soccer after receiving non-invasive neurological therapies. This stood in stark contrast to the invasive treatments her mother had endured.
Her personal connection to brain injuries deepened when she learned about her grandfather's traumatic brain injury from explosives during the Korean War, and when she realized she had suffered an undiagnosed concussion during her cheerleading years. Her bar for healthcare had been set so low—"if I don't have cancer, I'm good"—that she didn't recognize her own injury.
2. Redefining Traumatic Brain Injuries (10:37 - 16:50)
One of Dr. Eisenmann's most important messages is removing the word "trauma" from traumatic brain injury. The word psychologically creates a barrier—we assume only dramatic accidents count as brain injuries. The reality is far different.
Who can get a brain injury? Anyone.
Examples include:
Sports injuries
Motor vehicle accidents
Slipping in the shower
Falls
Blast exposures (veterans)
Even seemingly minor impacts
The critical question isn't "Did I have an injury?" but rather "How did my brain recover?"
Brain recovery depends on multiple factors:
Nutrition at time of injury
Gender
Stress levels during injury
Overall brain resilience
Pre-existing conditions
A concussion is simply another term for mild traumatic brain injury. The spectrum includes mild, moderate, and severe TBIs. Just because an MRI or CT scan comes back clear doesn't mean someone is healed. These imaging tools show structural damage but miss functional impairments.
Dr. Eisenmann advocates for treating brain health like dental health—regular check-ups and maintenance rather than waiting for a crisis. The brain is our operating system, one of the first things to develop and the last to go. It deserves consistent, proactive care.
3. Beyond Structural Damage: The Functional Impact (16:10 - 19:50)
Traditional medicine focuses on ruling out life-threatening structural issues: bleeds, swelling, skull fractures. Once those are cleared, patients are often told they're "fine." But functional impairments can persist for years.
We don't treat our brains the way we treat other injuries. If you had a knee injury, you wouldn't expect to run a marathon a month later. Yet we expect our brains to perform at high levels immediately after injury—even during menstruation, postpartum periods, or times of high stress.
The hidden dimension Dr. Holland emphasizes is that brain injuries aren't just physical. They affect:
Blood-brain barrier integrity
Immune system function
Susceptibility to infections
Processing of toxins
Stress responses
She shares examples of patients who developed Lyme disease seemingly "out of nowhere," only to reveal during conversation that they'd been in a car accident months earlier. The injury compromised their immune systems and blood-brain barriers, making them vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
4. Functional Neurology Treatment Approaches (20:24 - 26:15)
Functional neurology uses a rehabilitation model rather than a pharmaceutical one. It's about relearning, reconnecting, and retraining the brain through targeted stimulation and feedback.
Assessment areas include:
Motor movement and coordination
Reaction time
Eye movements
Balance and vestibular function
Cognition
Gait patterns
Treatment modalities range from high-tech to remarkably simple:
High-tech options:
Gyro stem (vestibular rehabilitation device that looks like an astronaut ride)
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)
VR headsets for virtual reality therapy
Whole body vibration platforms
Various electrical modalities (TENS units)
Red light therapy
Simple but effective tools:
Popsicle sticks with targets for eye tracking
Gait training (learning to walk properly)
Chiropractic adjustments
The beauty of functional neurology isn't always what you're doing, but how you're doing it. Frequency, intensity, quality of movement, and feedback all matter tremendously.
Dr. Eisenmann emphasizes that treatment is personalized, not protocol-based. "What do you need at this point?" is the guiding question. No profession is an end-all-be-all. Patients may work with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and functional neurologists at different stages of recovery.
If stranded on an island with only one therapy? Dr. Eisenmann chooses chiropractic hands down. Spinal mobility is the foundation of independence. If you can't move your spine, you're dependent on others, which means you're not moving, exercising, or feeding yourself properly.
5. The Infection-Brain Injury Connection (26:03 - 30:00)
This is where Dr. Eisenmann's and Dr. Holland's worlds beautifully intersect.
When therapy isn't producing expected improvements—when you're "flipping the light switch but the lights don't come on"—it's time to investigate metabolics and look for chronic infections.
The two-way street:
A traumatic brain injury makes you much more susceptible to acquiring infections like Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, or cytomegalovirus
Conversely, a dormant infection can reactivate after a TBI when the immune system plummets and the blood-brain barrier opens
"They're called opportunistic infections for a reason. They're like, 'Ooh, opportunity, let's go.'"
Dr. Eisenmann shares a case of a gentleman with cerebellar autoimmunity directly correlated to infections following his traumatic brain injury. While he sees improvement with therapy, the goal is long-lasting improvement, not riding a wave of good periods followed by crashes.
Warning signs you need to dig deeper:
Working really hard to get better but feeling like you're walking a tightrope
Stepping off the improvement path and unable to get back
Cyclical patterns of good and bad
Check for infections in: teeth, lungs, bladder, and systemic viral/bacterial infections.
6. COVID's Long-Term Impact on Brain Health (26:36 - 28:00)
Six years post-pandemic, we're starting to understand how COVID truly impacts brain health long-term. Dr. Eisenmann sees the TBI-infection connection frequently in her practice.
COVID can present as an acquired brain injury (ABI), much like hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Viruses don't just cause temporary illness—they can affect neurology, trigger autoimmunity, and create lasting dysregulation.
The silver lining? COVID has brought increased awareness and collaboration. Patients are being taken more seriously. Post-COVID programs are implementing physical therapy and occupational therapy more routinely. Functional neurology needs to be added to that list.
7. Daily Brain Health Practices: The Top Two Priorities (30:52 - 38:00)
When asked about practical daily strategies for brain health, Dr. Eisenmann gives two answers that might seem anticlimactic—but they're the foundation everything else builds on.
Priority #1: Blood Sugar Regulation
This is the one thing you have control over daily that sets you up for success.
Dr. Eisenmann's hot take: She does not believe in intermittent fasting or fasting for people with traumatic brain injuries who have uncontrolled blood sugar. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Neural circuits, immune health, and other systems need to be in line first for fasting to be beneficial.
Blood sugar regulation matters more than:
Cold plunging
Brushing teeth with your non-dominant hand
Single-leg stands
Exercise regimens
Taking creatine
"None of that matters if your blood sugar is unregulated."
Warning signs of unregulated blood sugar:
Getting hangry (hungry + angry)
Getting sleepy after eating
Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate
What to do:
Look at your plate composition—is it too carb-heavy?
Include fiber and protein
Consider ketogenic or Mediterranean diets for seasons (not necessarily forever)
Eat regularly rather than skipping meals
Dr. Holland adds critical context: When blood sugar crashes, your brain and adrenals think you're starving. They activate the same fight-or-flight stress response as if there's a physical threat. This has lasting effects:
Cortisol release
Sleep disruption
Impaired glymphatic system function (brain's waste clearance)
A snowball effect of downstream problems
For people with TBIs, the brain is already working overtime to protect you. Unregulated blood sugar adds unnecessary burden.
Priority #2: Follow the Sun
Circadian rhythm optimization is crucial. Dr. Eisenmann references Dr. Andrew Huberman's extensive work on this topic.
What this means:
Pair your activity level with sunlight
Get bright light exposure in the morning
Dim lights in the evening
Avoid overhead lighting when the sun is down
Use red light at night
Dr. Eisenmann's household practices what she preaches: "When the sun is gone, we pretty much are in red light, like crazy bats." She credits this with why her daughter slept so well early on.
For night workers or new moms, this might not be perfectly achievable, and that's okay—things happen for seasons. But aligning with natural light cycles as much as possible supports:
Hormonal regulation
Sleep quality
Immune function
Overall brain health
8. The Body's Natural Wisdom (37:05 - 39:00)
A powerful theme emerges: Your brain loves you. Your body naturally detoxifies and returns to homeostasis—when it's not overwhelmed.
Why not remove the burden of:
Unregulated blood sugar
Wacky circadian rhythms
And allow your body to do what it naturally wants to do?
People often believe they need to be constantly taking an "anti-something"—antivirals, antimicrobials, antibiotics. Sometimes that's necessary. But sometimes the answer is: Let's get your body in a state where it doesn't have to fight those battles. See what happens. Then assess what else might be needed.
"It is incredible the amount of people that I've seen just from that. They were like a horse. They weren't a zebra."
Translation: The solution was simple, not exotic or complex.
9. Understanding Dysautonomia (39:04 - 43:40)
Dysautonomia is a hot topic, especially in post-viral and chronic illness communities. Dr. Eisenmann brings a unique perspective.
First, what dysautonomia is NOT:
It's not like Epstein-Barr virus—something you "catch" or "have forever." It's a neurological system, and talking about it as a fixed diagnosis creates confusion between "having this diagnosis" versus "needing rehabilitation."
What's often missed:
The autonomic nervous system controls output:
Heart rate
Respiration
Pupillary dilation and constriction
Digestion
And much more
But how does it do that? It needs integration from:
Eyes
Vestibular system (balance)
Neurodevelopmental foundations
If your eyes can't track a dot properly, if you don't have good vestibular function, if your brain doesn't understand gravitational positioning (what's up vs. down), your autonomic system will struggle.
Common dysautonomia symptoms explained:
Feeling weight in your back
Slumping all the time
People constantly telling you to "sit straight" but you just can't
Feeling like your center of pressure is off
These may indicate sensory integration issues, not just a heart problem.
The concussion/brain injury lens:
Dysautonomia may need to be viewed through the lens of brain injury. It's not just about:
Salt intake
Compression socks
Medications
It's about:
Rehabilitating eye movements
Restoring vestibular function
Addressing sensory integration
Sometimes addressing viral triggers
Viruses can trigger dysautonomia, then shift eye movements, which compounds the dysautonomia. The lingering infection affects neurology even without a traumatic brain injury present. This is an acquired brain injury (ABI), much like hypoxia.
The rehabilitation message:
"A lot of these cases can be rehabbed. A lot of these things can improve."
It's a wild ride because the autonomic nervous system is a seesaw between parasympathetic (rest and digest) and sympathetic (fight or flight). You might feel like you're on a rollercoaster you asked permission to get on. But improvement is possible.
The collaboration imperative:
Dr. Eisenmann works with cardiologists to co-manage patients. An EKG doesn't hurt—rule out cardiac issues. But dysautonomia is confusing because people think "heart problem = cardiologist only." The nervous system connection is often overlooked.
10. Empowering Patients: Make Your Doctor Work (44:05 - 48:00)
One of the most powerful segments addresses patient empowerment.
The common trap:
People are overwhelmed by symptoms. They desperately want validation and answers. Finally, they get a diagnosis—POTS, dysautonomia, whatever it may be. In conventional medicine, the response is often: "You have this. Here are medications to make it less symptomatic. That's your identity now."
Rehabilitation and alternative approaches often aren't mentioned or known. Many people are sick for 10-15 years before hearing about functional neurology or integrative approaches.
Dr. Eisenmann's challenge to patients:
"Make your doctor work. Make them work. Don't just take a diagnosis. Ask: What do I do next?"
If the answer is only medication, you're allowed to ask more questions. They're working for you.
Questions to ask:
Is there any therapy I can do that you would recommend?
Do you know of anyone who specializes in this?
Can you refer me to someone?
Your doctor is responsible for making connections with other practitioners. They should have a referral system to know:
When do you need someone else?
When am I the one who's supposed to help you?
"They're not supposed to keep you forever because you're not meant to be kept forever."
Dr. Eisenmann sees dysautonomia diagnoses daily. When she asks what's being done, the answer is often: "They haven't referred me out. They haven't done anything. They don't have solutions."
Ask "why" like a toddler:
Dr. Holland adds her approach: Keep asking "why." Don't stop at surface explanations.
"It's because of this infection."
But why? Is that infection even active?
Because it's opportunistic.
But why is your body susceptible?
What's driving the imbalance?
Why isn't the body in homeostasis?
Get to root causes, not just symptoms or labels.
11. COVID's Silver Lining for Medicine (45:14 - 46:00)
Despite the devastation of the pandemic, both doctors see a positive shift:
Increased collaboration between practitioners
Patients being taken more seriously
Post-COVID programs implementing physical therapy and occupational therapy more routinely
Recognition that viruses can present as brain injuries
Acknowledgment that infections can affect entire body systems and nervous systems
Functional neurology should be added to standard post-viral rehabilitation programs.
How to Find Dr. Eisenmann
Resiliency Brain Health
Location: Hoppel, Texas (8 minutes from DFW Airport)
Open concept clinic with a family atmosphere
Services in English and Spanish
Walk-ins welcome for tours
Not local? Dr. Eisenmann maintains a referral network across the US, including Florida, North Carolina, and California. Call the clinic to ask for referrals in your area.
Brain Charge Online Coaching
For those unable to travel regularly
For people in rural areas without local functional neurology support
Provides foundation-level support to get you to the next step
Contact: info@resiliencybh.com