The Premier Integrative Applied Neurology and Therapeutic Laser Center of Arizona

Brain-Gut Axis damaged in TBI and Concussion

brain gut axis in concussion and tbi

One of the most commonly overlooked side effects or symptoms of TBI and Concussion is the disruption of the Brain-Gut Axis. There are several connections from the brain to the gut, two of the better known connections are the Vagus Nerve, and the Nucelus Tractus Solitarius. Both of these are found in the lower brain stem and contribute to not only gut function, but eye control, autonomic stability (heart rate and blood pressure control) and overall health.

We typically see patients after they have seen 3 or 4 practitioners and are in the chronic state. In our office we perform an extensive neurological examination including neuro-diagnostics and functional medicine evaluation to help us identify these areas of dysfunction which help uncover areas that may have been overlooked by previous physicians. Once we identify the neurological and physiological domains that are -under or -over firing we review a game-plan and expectations with the patient.

One you have all the information about your condition, it is up to you if you would like to move forward rehabilitating the brain regions identified as faulty.

For an appointment please call (480) 756-2600

 

 

“Traumatic Brain Injury and the Effect on the Brain-Gut Axis.
Kharrazian D.
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. One commonly overlooked effect of TBI is the disruption of the brain-gut axis, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction. The brain-gut axis consists of the cortical areas of the insular cortex, cingulate, and hypothalamus that have bidirectional communication with the visceral enteric nervous system through afferent and efferent projections into the pontine vagal complex and nucleus tractus solitarius. Communication with the brain also occurs through messenger signals from the gut’s microbiota, involving gut peptides, cytokines, and lipopolysaccharides. Disruption of the brain-gut axis from TBI can lead to a chronic, inflammatory, vicious sequela, involving both the brain and the gastrointestinal system, with both neuroregulatory and neuroimmunological loops.” —    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26348611

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Janine Crifasi, DC, CCST

Dr. Janine Crifasi, our newest team member at AZ Chiropractic Neurology, is originally from New York – which explains the accent. She attended Life Chiropractic College West and was the Centennial class’s Most Outstanding Graduate. She practiced in the Bay Area until moving closer to family to raise her son who is attending college.

Dr. Janine is committed to learning and educating people to change their awareness about their bodies’ potential and empowering them with unique methods of retraining their brains to maximize their quality of life through neuroplasticity. Her passion to help others puts her patients at ease and makes her a highly sought-after community speaker. Prior to coming to Chandler, she owned a center specializing in kids with learning disabilities and served as the northeast clinical director of a functional neurology practice, overseeing several functional neurology clinics. 

She has completed her post-doctoral clinical neuroscience studies in Functional Neurology through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies and has successfully completed the clinical exam and is now board eligible for the written portion. She is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic for over 26 years. She has received additional extensive training in Spinal Trauma, and the Activator Method, and has a certification in Postural Neurology. 

In an effort to better serve her patients, Dr. Crifasi completed postdoctoral specialty training in blood chemistry, thyroid chemistry, brain chemistry, neuro-immune, and neuro-endocrine functional medicine. This knowledge of the brain-gut axis, and the mechanisms that impact our health, allow her to provide patients with easily implemented modifications enhancing improved lifestyle and nutraceutical recommendations as needed.