Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, yet it has never received distinct, individualized attention from the world’s largest health policy bodies. For years, TBI has been treated as a "footnote" in broader neurological discussions, but that is about to change.In this episode, our host Cristabelle is joined by Paul Dubetz, whose lived experience with traumatic brain injury eventually led to working with a global coalition to bring a historic resolution before the World Health Organization (WHO). Paul also shares his story of survival after a catastrophic accident in Italy, and explains why reclassifying brain injury as a chronic condition is the key to unlocking global standards of care.🌏 This conversation arrives at a pivotal moment as the 79th World Health Assembly convenes in Geneva, Switzerland, this May 2026. As the supreme decision-making body of the WHO, this Assembly has the power to approve programs and set the international health policies that will define the future of neurological care. Paul is part of leading a critical effort at a side event during the Assembly, where a panel of individuals with lived experience will advocate directly to member states to ensure that TBI is officially recognized as a chronic and notifiable condition on the world stage in 2027.🧠 In this episode:Why the World Health Organization is the essential vehicle for setting international health policies for TBI.Paul’s personal account of a severe TBI and the advanced neurosurgeries that saved his life in Milan.Understanding how labeling TBI as a "chronic and notifiable condition" will allow member states to implement long-term surveillance and treatment.A glimpse into the legislative process behind the World Health Assembly and the target for adoption in 2027.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvivesVisit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank 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:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠-------0:00 Intro1:53 Welcome with Cristabelle6:34 Introducing Paul Dubetz8:50 The Life Changing Accident18:05 Effects of the TBI22:32 Involvement with the World Health Organization26:10 Resolution for TBI Recognition32:58 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

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.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank 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:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ -------0:00 Intro2:00 Welcome with Cristabelle6:20 Introducing Dr. Harvey11:40 Explaining Dysautonomia15:50 POTS & Other Forms18:20 What to Look Out For20:50 Exercise Intolerance23:18 Where to Start to Regulate Nervous System27:07 Dysautonomia vs. Post-Injury Dysfunction30:20 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠