Advertise on podcast: What Did The Patient Say?

In this patient interview, Dr. Glickman of Carolina Functional Neurology Center speaks with patient Michelle about her experience being diagnosed and treated for functional neurological disorder (FND). Michelle shares her journey through uncontrollable movements, extreme pain, migraines, and mobility difficulties, describing years of ER visits, inconclusive testing, and being told her symptoms might not be real before finally finding answers. The conversation covers what functional neurological disorder is and why it can be difficult to diagnose through standard testing like EEGs, CT scans, and MRIs. Dr. Glickman explains the treatment approach used at CFNC, including cortical remapping, sensory motor integration, neuromodulation, eye movement retraining, and balance therapies, all tailored to the patient's individual neurological and metabolic capacity. Michelle also reflects on her experience as a patient, describing the relief of finally being believed and understood, and shares her progress since starting treatment, now reporting significant improvement in her symptoms and overall quality of life. This episode offers insight for anyone experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms or searching for answers around functional neurological disorder. Learn more about our approach to functional neurology at https://www.carolinafnc.com Schedule an appointment online at https://cfnc.janeapp.com Carolina Functional Neurology Center proudly serves patients in Charlotte NC, Raleigh NC, Tampa/Sarasota FL, and New England. #FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder #FunctionalNeurology #FNDAwareness #ChronicIllnessRecovery #PatientStory #NeuroRehabilitation #FunctionalDoctor

Dr. Miret of Carolina Functional Neurology Center sits down with Vanessa, founder of Haven, to discuss the connection between chronic survival mode and chronic illness. This conversation covers how nervous system dysregulation contributes to conditions like POTS, chronic fatigue syndrome, dysautonomia, chronic migraine, small fiber neuropathy, and vestibular disorders, and how neuroplasticity-based approaches can support recovery. Vanessa shares her personal journey through debilitating chronic illness and how she discovered brain retraining and nervous system regulation as a path toward healing. She explains the concept of moving out of chronic survival and into a felt sense of safety, and how this shift can support the body's capacity to repair. The discussion also covers practical tools such as micro moments of regulation, incremental capacity building, visualization, somatic practices, and the role of emotional processing and grief in physical healing. This episode is designed for patients navigating chronic illness as well as clinicians interested in how nervous system-based approaches can complement functional neurology care. Vanessa also discusses Haven, her membership community that provides guided resources, coaching, and support for people working to regulate their nervous systems and build lasting safety in their healing journey. Learn more about our approach to functional neurology at https://www.carolinafnc.com Schedule an appointment online at https://cfnc.janeapp.com Carolina Functional Neurology Center proudly serves patients in Charlotte NC, Raleigh NC, Tampa/Sarasota FL, and New England. #FunctionalNeurology #ChronicIllnessRecovery #NervousSystemRegulation #Neuroplasticity #POTSAwareness #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #Dysautonomia #BrainRetraining

There is no ceiling to healing. That is one of the most powerful lessons from John's recovery journey following a traumatic brain injury, and it is exactly what this episode of What Did the Patient Say? explores. John sustained a severe traumatic brain injury after falling from the back of a pickup truck. He spent 74 days at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh followed by 47 days of intensive inpatient rehabilitation in Chicago before returning home to continue outpatient speech, occupational, and physical therapy. After reaching a plateau, John's family found Carolina Functional Neurology Center and added functional neurology to his care plan. In this conversation, Dr. Miret talks with John and his mother about his progress over the past year and a half, including significant improvements in speech, balance, coordination, memory, and overall strength. Much of his treatment has focused on the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for motor coordination as well as coordinating thoughts, which plays a critical role in memory and cognitive function. Activities like Pilates have also become an important part of his rehabilitation, directly engaging the cerebellum through core and posterior chain activation. John is now back to playing golf, swimming, and steadily regaining independence. His advice to others facing a similar journey: keep working, no matter how long it takes. This episode is a powerful reminder that brain injury recovery is not bound by rigid timelines, and that with the right approach, continued improvement is possible well beyond what patients are often told. Carolina Functional Neurology Center serves patients in Charlotte, Raleigh, Tampa/Sarasota, and New England, with telehealth available nationwide. 🌐 Main website: https://www.carolinafnc.com 📅 Schedule online: https://cfnc.janeapp.com #TraumaticBrainInjury #TBIRecovery #Neuroplasticity #Cerebellum #FunctionalNeurology #WhatDidThePatientSay #BrainInjuryRecovery

POTS and dysautonomia can affect far more than heart rate. In this patient interview, Carolina Functional Neurology Center discusses how symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, exercise intolerance, palpitations, near fainting, visual discomfort, and anxiety around symptoms can gradually shrink daily life. This conversation explores one patient's journey to a POTS diagnosis, the overlap between autonomic dysfunction and neurological symptoms, and the progress that can happen with a comprehensive, individualized treatment approach. In this episode of What Did the Patient Say, Dr. Lauren Brindisi speaks with Christine about her experience with POTS, dysautonomia, brain fog, exercise intolerance, heart palpitations, and the challenges of being increasingly housebound. She shares how her symptoms developed over time, how pregnancy and postpartum health changes played a role, and what it was like trying to find answers after being told anxiety might be the main issue. This discussion also highlights an important clinical reality: POTS is not just a heart rate issue. Autonomic dysfunction can affect cardiovascular regulation, blood flow, balance, vision, digestion, cognitive function, and overall daily capacity. The episode explains why many patients need a more complete neurological and autonomic evaluation when standard recommendations like electrolytes, compression, and medication do not fully address the bigger picture. Carolina Functional Neurology Center works with patients experiencing POTS, dysautonomia, concussion-related symptoms, dizziness, brain fog, vestibular issues, visual symptoms, and other complex neurological complaints. Care is available through locations serving Charlotte, Raleigh, Tampa/Sarasota, and New England. Learn more about Carolina Functional Neurology Center: www.carolinafnc.com Schedule online here: www.cfnc.janeapp.com #POTS #Dysautonomia #BrainFog #AutonomicDysfunction #FunctionalNeurology #POTSRecovery #ChronicIllness

The female brain undergoes one of its most significant neurological transformations during pregnancy and postpartum. This process, called matrescence, involves structural brain changes, hormonal shifts, and neuroplastic adaptations that help mothers become more attuned to their babies. In this episode, Dr. Abbey Houde (@the.brainhealth.doctor) joins Dr. Lauren Brindisi to discuss the science behind these changes, why "mom brain" is actually a superpower, and how new mothers can support their brain health through this transition. In this episode, we cover: - What is matrescence and how it compares to adolescence - Why gray matter changes during pregnancy are not a bad thing - The dopamine and amygdala shifts that strengthen mother-baby bonding - Common misconceptions about postpartum brain fog and memory changes - Practical strategies for supporting brain health before and after birth - The importance of stress management, nutrition, movement, and sleep - Why seeking support during postpartum is essential, not optional Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, or planning to become a mother, understanding these neurological changes can help you feel more empowered and less alone during this transformative stage of life. Learn more about Carolina Functional Neurology Center, our clinical approach to brain‑based care, and how we help patients across the U.S. develop personalized strategies for neurological recovery and function. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.carolinafnc.com 📅 Schedule online: https://cfnc.janeapp.com Locations: Charlotte NC, Raleigh NC, Tampa/Sarasota FL, and York ME #Matrescence #PostpartumBrain #MomBrain #FunctionalNeurology #PregnancyBrainChanges #WomensHealth #Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth

If you've been navigating long COVID, POTS, or chronic fatigue with no clear answers, this episode is for you. Dr. Matthew Peterson sits down with patient Laura, who spent over two and a half years undiagnosed before finding Carolina Functional Neurology Center. Her story covers the full journey from being nearly bedridden with severe migraines and debilitating fatigue, to reaching 80% physical energy and 90% cognitive function today. In this conversation, Dr. Peterson and Laura discuss why long COVID is increasingly understood as a functional brain injury, how POTS and autonomic dysfunction are deeply intertwined with long COVID, and why treating one without the other so often falls short. They also break down the treatment approach used at CFNC including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, neuromodulation, red light therapy, and mitochondrial support, and how Laura's care evolved as new research emerged. Laura's advice to anyone in a similar situation: be your own advocate, and make sure whoever is overseeing your care truly understands the brain. Carolina Functional Neurology Center serves patients in Charlotte, Raleigh, Tampa/Sarasota, and New England, with telehealth available nationwide. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.carolinafnc.com 📅 Schedule online: https://cfnc.janeapp.com

Could common medications influence brain development? In this educational discussion, Dr. Lauren Brindisi of Carolina Functional Neurology Center sits down with researcher and former Duke University scientist Dr. William Parker to explore the emerging science around acetaminophen, oxidative stress, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Parker explains decades of biochemical and clinical research investigating possible links between acetaminophen use, environmental susceptibility, and neurodevelopment.This conversation examines how data from major studies have shaped ongoing debate and why understanding the body’s metabolic response to medications like acetaminophen may help parents and providers make more informed decisions. The goal of this episode is to share science‑based insights and promote thoughtful discussion, not to make medical recommendations.Learn more about Carolina Functional Neurology Center, our clinical approach to brain‑based care, and how we help patients across the U.S. develop personalized strategies for neurological recovery and function.🌐 Learn more: https://www.carolinafnc.com📅 Schedule online: https://cfnc.janeapp.comLocations: Charlotte NC, Raleigh NC, Tampa/Sarasota FL, and New England.

After a year of persistent post-concussive symptoms and many unsuccessful treatment attempts, Liam came to Carolina Functional Neurology Center. Head pressure, headaches, sleep disruption, autonomic symptoms, and overall instability had taken over his daily life. Care began at a foundational level, focusing on brainstem regulation, autonomic nervous system balance, and gradual neurological retraining — progressing carefully over time. One year later, Liam has been discharged from care, and is back to work, exercising, playing basketball, and living fully symptom-free. Recovery from concussion isn't always quick, but with individualized evaluation, patience, and the right neurological approach, meaningful improvement is possible. Thank you, Liam, for sharing your story! Interested in learning about our concussion treatment program? Click here to download our free concussion recovery guidebook: https://www.carolinafnc.com/guidebook... Schedule a virtual consultation with one of our doctors in Florida, Maine or North Carolina to discuss your symptoms: https://cfnc.janeapp.com/

Join Dr. Walden at Carolina Functional Neurology Center as she talks with Megan, a stroke survivor, about her inspiring recovery journey. Megan shares how functional neurology, combined with PT and OT, helped her regain strength, improve mobility, and rebuild confidence. Learn about CFNC’s unique approach using advanced neurological assessments, eye movement therapies, and personalized care plans to support healing and brain function. For more information, visit https://www.carolinafnc.com/ To schedule a virtual consultation, visit https://cfnc.janeapp.com/

In this episode of What Did the Patient Say?, Dr. Lauren Brindisi from Carolina Functional Neurology Center dives into the science and importance of sleep. Learn how light exposure affects your circadian rhythm, why modern lifestyles disrupt natural sleep cycles, and the surprising role sleep plays in brain health, memory, and even preventing neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Brindisi also shares practical tips to improve your sleep through light management, stress reduction, and routine chiropractic adjustments. Whether you're struggling with insomnia or just want to optimize your brain health, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

After a year of unexplained pain, fatigue, and countless doctor visits, Alicia finally found answers at Carolina Functional Neurology Center. In this episode, Alicia shares her story of how uncovering mold toxicity changed everything—and how personalized neurological care helped her heal. For more information, visit www.carolinafnc.com

What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)? In this episode of What Did The Patient Say?, we’re diving into Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)—a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects how the brain functions without showing structural damage on scans like MRIs. Dr. Lauren Brindisi discusses: • What FND is and how it’s traditionally viewed in the medical community • Symptoms of FND • Case studies from Carolina Functional Neurology Center • How functional neurology offers a new perspective on diagnosis and treatment • Why FND is not just anxiety or a purely psychological issue If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with FND—or you’re struggling with unexplained neurological symptoms—this episode shares valuable insights, hope, and practical advice.For more information, visit www.carolinafnc.com

In this episode, Dr. Walden sits down with NaTayah, a patient who came to CFNC Raleigh struggling with unexplained symptoms, including a rapid heart rate and shortness of breath. After seeing multiple doctors and receiving little to no answers, she found CFNC through social media and discovered she had dysautonomia. Through a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan —including orthostatic retraining, cortical exercises, Beamer therapy, and red light therapy— NaTayah experienced a 90 to 95% improvement in her symptoms and is on her way to feeling like her old self again! Learn more about our approach and see if we can help at www.carolinafnc.com

In this episode of "What Did the Patient Say," Dr. Lauren Brindisi of Carolina Functional Neurology Center explains the concept of a neurointensive program. Designed for patients with busy schedules or those traveling from out of town, this program involves multiple visits per day over 4-5 days to jumpstart neurological healing. The focus is on utilizing neuroplasticity— the brain’s ability to change and adapt through repetition— to improve symptoms. Dr. Lauren also discusses the importance of personalized treatment plans, the use of advanced diagnostics, and the value of follow-up care to ensure lasting progress. For more information, visit www.carolinafnc.com.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Peterson talks with his patient Gerry, who shares her journey with spinocerebellar ataxia. This condition caused Gerry to have involuntary head motion, dizziness, nystagmus, and difficulty walking. Gerry opens up about how therapy at CFNC and a dedicated exercise routine (just 25 minutes twice a day) have helped her regain control and improve her quality of life. Thanks to her progress, she’s back to doing the things she loves, like cooking and quilting. Visit www.carolinafnc.com to schedule a consultation.