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61: Neurofeedback and PEMF for Concussion Recovery with Ellyn Hartmayer

May 8, 2023
Sometimes, the effects of head injuries or concussion don't appear instantly. In fact, there are cases wherein patients see it years later when it has already affected their attention, executive functioning, or mood.
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Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

If your child hasn’t been the same since a bump, fall, or sports hit, you’re not imagining it. Concussions can quietly disrupt attention, mood, and sleep long after the injury. In this episode, Dr. Roseann unpacks how neurofeedback and PEMF help the brain heal and why so many kids struggle silently after head injuries.

Why does my child still struggle months after a concussion?

Many parents expect symptoms to fade after a week or two. But some kids, like Ellyn’s son, continue to wake up exhausted, unfocused, or emotionally fragile.A concussion can keep the brain stuck in a hyper-alert state, making nighttime healing difficult. That’s why mornings feel so hard.Key takeaways:

  • The brain heals during sleep, so poor sleep = slow recovery
  • Symptoms can show up months or years later
  • Neurofeedback helps the brain shift out of that stuck pattern
  • Parent scenario: A teen wakes tired every morning despite 9 hours of sleep

How does neurofeedback support concussion recovery?

When Colin started neurofeedback, his fatigue and mood swings began lifting within sessions. Neurofeedback gives the brain real-time feedback so it can learn how to regulate again.Benefits shared in the episode:

  • Improves brain wave patterns disrupted by concussion
  • Reduces headaches and sleep problems
  • Supports emotional control and focus
  • Helps kids feel more like themselves again

Kids don’t need to “push through” recovery. Let’s calm the brain first.

Could my child’s anxiety or depression be related to an old head injury?

Yes. Even mild concussions can affect the parts of the brain that regulate emotions. That’s why some kids suddenly seem sad, overwhelmed, or shut down.In Colin’s case, brain mapping showed he wasn’t clinically depressed. His brain was just dysregulated from repeated injuries.What parents should know:

  • Concussion-related dysregulation can mimic ADHD or depression
  • QEEG gives a clear picture so kids get the right support
  • Behavior is communication
  • Neurofeedback helps calm mood-regulating networks

How can I support my child emotionally during concussion recovery?

Kids often fear that they’re “broken” or failing to get better. They need an anchor: a calm parent who offers structure, reassurance, and tools.Ways to anchor your child:

  • Validate how hard recovery feels
  • Prioritize rest so the brain can heal
  • Keep routines simple and predictable
  • Provide low-pressure choices
  • Model calm when they’re overwhelmed

When your child melts down because they’re exhausted or scared, remind yourself: it’s not bad parenting. It’s a dysregulated brain.Yelling less and staying calm isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having the right tools.Join the Dysregulation Insider VIP list and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit, designed to help you handle oppositional behaviors without losing it.Download it now at www.drroseann.com/newsletter🗣️ What Dr. Roseann Says“The brain heals at night when you go to sleep. When a child’s brain can’t shut down, it can’t recover.” — Dr. Roseann

Summary

Concussions can quietly impact mood, sleep, and focus long after the injury, but neurofeedback and PEMF offer real hope. With the right tools and a regulated parent leading the way, recovery is absolutely possible. It’s gonna be OK.

FAQ

How long does concussion recovery take for kids?

Every child is different, but lingering symptoms often point to brain dysregulation. Neurofeedback can help speed up recovery.

Does neurofeedback help post-concussion sleep problems?

Yes. It retrains the brain to shift into calming patterns needed for nighttime repair.

Is QEEG accurate for concussion assessment?

QEEG shows how the brain functions, helping identify patterns linked to mood, sleep, and focus issues.

Can concussion symptoms look like ADHD?

Absolutely. Many kids show attention and executive functioning issues after a head injury.

Is PEMF safe for children?

PEMF is a gentle, noninvasive tool often used to support brain healing and reduce inflammation.Next Step:Feel like you’ve tried everything and still don’t have answers? The Solution Matcher helps you find the best starting point based on your child’s symptoms, behaviors, and history.Get your personalized plan now at www.drroseann.com/help

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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: Revolutionizing Children’s Mental Health

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s podcast, It’s Gonna be OK!™: Science-Backed Solutions for Children’s Behavior and Mental Health, is in the top 2% globally. The podcast empowers parents with natural, science-backed solutions to improve children’s self-regulation and calm their brains. Each episode delivers expert advice and practical strategies, making it indispensable for parents of neurodivergent children or those with behavioral or mental health challenges.

Dr. Roseann, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann, LLC, created the Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and BrainBehaviorReset® method. With her extensive experience, she provides families with hope and effective strategies to manage conditions like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.

Forbes has called her “A thought leader in children’s mental health,” highlighting her revolutionary impact on mental health education and treatment. Through her podcast and innovative methods, Dr. Roseann continues to transform how we approach, treat and understand children’s mental health.
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