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Living with POTS? Why Neuroplasticity Might Be the Key to Getting Your Life Back

Dr Zimmerman on June 16, 2025

If you’ve been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), chances are you’ve spent years bouncing between specialists, wearing compression socks, increasing salt, and trying prescription after prescription. And despite doing “all the right things,” you’re still exhausted. Still dizzy. Still feeling like your body is out of sync.

Then, out of frustration and desperation, you started looking outside the box: chiropractic, supplements, upper cervical, acupuncture, and more; yet you still aren’t getting better. 

You’re not alone. You’re not crazy. It’s not just in your head as a mental health disorder, even though you may have depression and anxiety, but who wouldn’t after struggling for years and being misunderstood.

The reason you haven’t gotten better isn’t because POTS is untreatable—it’s because POTS has been fundamentally misunderstood.

You’ve been told it’s a cardiovascular issue, which is why you keep seeing cardiology. But here’s the reality: POTS is not a cardiovascular disorder. The cardiovascular symptoms are manifestations of dysfunction within your autonomic nervous system. That distinction changes everything. And when you start approaching POTS from the lens of neuroplasticity, you open the door to real, lasting recovery.

What Is POTS…Really?

Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. 

  • POTS is diagnosed when your heart rate increases by more than 30 beats per minute (or 40 if you’re a teenager) within 10 minutes of standing up, without a significant drop in blood pressure.
  • POTS is diagnosed after multiple symptoms and vital sign changes have persisted for at least 3 months.
  • POTS is considered an appropriate diagnosis if there isn’t a better explanation for the symptoms and findings. 

But let’s go deeper.

POTS lives under the umbrella of dysautonomia—dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.

So while your cardiologist may look at POTS as a heart rate problem, and your neurologist may say, “Not my lane,” the truth is: POTS is a nervous system issue that manifests as symptoms in your cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems.

That’s why treatments like beta blockers, IV fluids, or Midodrine might reduce your heart rate or help you not feel faint, but they don’t fix the underlying issue. They’re managing symptoms, not creating healing.

What we’ve found in helping individuals for over 10 years and looking at the research, it’s clear that POTS is a nervous system issue that is influenced by impaired neurological and immune function.

Why Neuroplasticity Matters in POTS Recovery

Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to change, adapt, and form new connections based on the information it receives. And it can go one of two ways:

  • Positive neuroplasticity creates new, healthy patterns.
  • Negative neuroplasticity reinforces dysfunctional loops that keep your symptoms alive.

When you’re living with POTS, your brain and nervous system have learned to operate in a dysregulated state. You didn’t choose this, but the longer it goes on, the more deeply those patterns get wired in.

This is why surface-level treatments often fail. They don’t address the why. They don’t rewire the brain. And they don’t promote positive neuroplasticity, which is the only way real, long-term healing happens.

Understanding the Brainstem’s Role in POTS

Understanding the Brainstem’s Role in POTS

To understand where POTS comes from, we need to look at the brainstem. The brainstem is the lower part of the brain with the lobes of the brain on top of it. When we look at the brainstem, there are 3 parts, but for simplicity, we are going to separate it into 2. The upper half, mesencephalon, is responsible for what’s known as the sympathetic nervous system. The lower half, the pons and medulla, is responsible for what’s known as the parasympathetic nervous system. This area is routinely called the pontomedullary region and is where we are going to focus. It’s the hub for the vagus nerve and integration of a variety of sensory inputs into the brainstem that will impact autonomic function.

The vagus nerve is crucial—it controls heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and even inflammation. It’s been a hot topic in health circles lately, but we’ve been working with it long before it was trendy.

The vagus nerve is a two-way communication highway. It sends information from the body to the brain, and from the brain back to the body. If that feedback loop is disrupted, your body can’t regulate itself the way it’s supposed to.

For example, when you stand up, baroreceptors (pressure sensors in your arteries) should detect the drop in blood pressure, and this reduces the signals being sent to the brainstem and should result in increased sympathetic outflow to maintain blood pressure. 

If this system isn’t working, blood pools in your lower body, your brain gets less oxygen, and you feel faint, dizzy, or like your heart is pounding out of your chest.

Why Treating the Vagus Nerve Alone Isn’t Enough

A lot of people get excited about vagus nerve stimulation, and there’s a place for that. We use tools that target it, and they can help.

But let’s be clear: stimulating the vagus nerve alone is like trying to fix a car by polishing the headlights.

POTS isn’t a “one-nerve” problem. The vagus nerve is just one player in a much larger system. Your brainstem, cortex, cranial nerves, cervical spine, and vestibular system all work together to regulate your autonomic function.

If you’re only targeting one piece of the puzzle, you’re going to keep missing the full picture and won’t get better.

The Vestibular System: The Overlooked Player in POTS

The Vestibular System: The Overlooked Player in POTS

Your vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation, is deeply intertwined with your autonomic function.

When you move your head, bend over, or shift positions, your vestibular system helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate through vestibulo-autonomic reflexes known as the vestibular sympathetic reflex.

If your vestibular system is out of sync, your blood pressure can crash when you move, and your heart rate can spike inappropriately. This is especially true if you have orthostatic hypotension, as impairments in the vestibular sympathetic reflex is the major contributor to this process.

Unfortunately, most with POTS, orthostatic hypotension, or other forms of dysautonomia will never have a vestibular evaluation. When people think of vestibular issues, they often think about issues with the inner ear resulting in vertigo.

In fact, many people with POTS don’t even have classic vertigo, but they still have vestibular dysfunction. That’s why dizziness, lightheadedness, neck pain, and motion sensitivity are so common.

We run computerized vestibular testing and eye movement tracking (video-oculography) on every patient, and over 75% show abnormalities. If your provider isn’t testing this, they’re missing one of the biggest drivers of your symptoms. In our experience, if this isn’t done, then you won’t get better if it was something that should have been treated.

The Cervical Spine, Vision, and Balance: Why It All Matters

The Cervical Spine, Vision, and Balance: Why It All Matters

Your neck (cervical spine) contains joints and muscles that feed into your vestibular system. When this information is good, it helps to stabilize the vestibular system, but when it’s bad, it can contribute to issues with the vestibular system. Problems here can mess with your balance, your blood pressure regulation, and your brain’s ability to orient in space.

But again, adjusting the neck alone won’t fix POTS. I’ve been in this field for over a decade. I’m a chiropractor and a nurse practitioner. I’ve seen neck adjustments help, but rarely do they solve the problem. I know you’ve likely heard in groups that some miracle happened with regular chiropractic, upper cervical, or yucca-based approach. Yes, some individuals do get better with it, but it’s not many, and we are about predictable results, which is why stopping with the cervical spine isn’t enough. 

That’s because your visual system plays a role too. Your eyes work in tandem with your vestibular system to stabilize your vision and sense of movement. If your eye movements are off, even just slightly, it creates chaos for your brain and nervous system.

If scrolling your phone, driving, or being in crowds makes you feel “off,” that’s your oculomotor system screaming for help.

That’s why we test it. Every patient. Every time.

Immune and Inflammatory Triggers

Now, let’s discuss what exacerbates the situation: inflammation and immune dysfunction.

If you notice your POTS symptoms flare up during:

  • Menstrual cycles
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Illness or infections
  • After eating certain foods

…it’s likely because of neuroinflammation. Inflammation disrupts neuroplasticity and puts your nervous system on high alert. It changes how your brain processes signals, making symptoms feel more intense and harder to recover from.

This is where comprehensive lab testing becomes critical.

I’m not talking about basic panels, 3-5 vials, that come back “normal.” I’m talking about in-depth panels that look at gut health, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune markers, and mitochondrial function.

Because if your body doesn’t have the fuel due to metabolic issues, or the immune system has shifted in the wrong direction, no amount of physical therapy or salt loading will move the needle.

The Mitochondrial and Hormonal Piece

There’s another layer most clinics skip: cellular energy.

Your nervous system runs on ATP—energy made by your mitochondria. If your mitochondria are sluggish (due to infections, toxins, stress, nutrient issues, or hormone imbalances), your brain can’t regulate itself. Did you know your brain uses 25% of the entire bodies energy supply when you are at rest? 

Now, what happens when you have an unhealthy nervous system that is burning fuel inefficiently? Everything only gets worse. There are also a variety of factors that contribute to the energy capacity of the brain beyond neurological connections.

You may also have:

  • Thyroid issues (especially missed subclinical hypothyroidism)
  • Anemia
  • Adrenal dysregulation
  • Sex hormone imbalances

All of these affect how your brain functions—and whether your nervous system can rewire itself properly.

So… What Actually Works?

Here’s the framework we follow at Peak Brain and Body:

  1. Comprehensive Evaluation

We run tests that others skip:

  • Computerized vestibular and balance testing
  • Video eye movement analysis
  • In-depth neurological examination
  • Expanded lab panels to identify immune and metabolic patterns
  1. Multisystem Treatment Plan

We don’t throw darts in the dark. With the amount of data we gathered, we confidently tailor your treatment to what your body is telling us. That might include:

  • Neuroplasticity exercises targeting visual, vestibular, and motor systems
  • Brainstem and cerebellar retraining
  • Vagus nerve modulation
  • Cervical spine rehabilitation (if appropriate)
  • Mitochondrial and hormone support
  • Immune modulation and gut healing
  1. Pattern-Based Progress

We don’t chase symptoms—we follow patterns. The more patterns we identify, the more accurately we can target treatment. It’s like studying the whole textbook before the test, not just one chapter.

This is where patience has to come in, just because we find something, it doesn’t mean it’s the first thing we have to address. If we address the wrong thing at the wrong time, you won’t get the results you want. We’ll guide you based on the patterns and testing to identify what should be addressed when.

Why You’re Still Stuck (And How to Change That)

If you’ve tried supplements, hyperbaric therapy, IVs, chiropractic, or functional medicine, but never got real traction, it’s not because you’re broken.

It’s because your care has been fragmented.

You’ve done bits and pieces. But this is like trying to bake a cake by only using flour. You need all the ingredients, and you need them in the right order.

When we bring all the systems together—neurology, cardiology, immunology, endocrinology, and gut health—we see people get their lives back.

Most of our POTS patients improve by 70-80% or more. The time to achieve those results is dependent on the underlying reasons why POTS is an issue for you. Some need additional support beyond the initial plan. But when you work through this framework systematically, the body starts to heal.

 

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Crazy. You’re Just Misunderstood.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Why hasn’t anyone explained this to me before?”—that’s exactly why I created this blog.

Most providers weren’t trained to think this way. But this is the future of care for complex neurological conditions like POTS.

At Peak Brain and Body, we see patients from all over the country—people who’ve seen 10+ doctors and still didn’t have answers. But when you finally look at the full picture, things start to make sense.

Concussion and Sleep: What You Should Know

Dr Zimmerman on June 5, 2025

A concussion (medically known as a mild traumatic brain injury, mTBI) results from a forceful blow or jolt that causes the brain to shake inside the skull. This disrupts normal brain function, leading to symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, memory issues, fatigue, and emotional disturbances. One of the major challenges is trouble sleeping after a concussion, which can significantly hinder post-concussion recovery.

It was once thought that most concussions heal on their own, but research shows nearly 50% of individuals may not fully recover even a year later. That’s due to how concussions disrupt brain connections, promote inflammation, alter vascular supply, and interfere with your body’s circadian rhythm after brain injury and sleep quality.

Why Sleep Matters in Concussion Recovery

After a concussion, the brain goes through a vulnerable and energy-demanding healing process. Amid this disruption, sleep after concussion becomes not just essential, but critical. Sleep, particularly during the deep sleep stage, plays a key role in neurological restoration. During this time, the brain engages in a natural detoxification process, clearing out cellular waste and neurotoxins that can accumulate post-injury.

Moreover, sleep disturbances after concussion are common, yet restoring healthy sleep cycles can significantly influence your recovery speed. Trouble sleeping after a concussion may delay the brain’s ability to rebuild neural pathways, regulate emotions, and regain cognitive clarity.

Can You Sleep Right After a Concussion?

Yet, sleep after a concussion hasn’t always been well understood. Many of us grew up hearing the advice: “Don’t let someone with a concussion fall asleep.” 

For decades, the standard recommendation was to wake someone every hour after a head injury. The fear was that they might “slip into a coma” or have suffered a brain bleed that gradually over the next few hours, would be detrimental and you wouldn’t know if the individual was sleeping. However, we now understand that it’s not the sleep that’s dangerous—it’s the potential for a more serious underlying injury.

Currently, most concussion experts agree that sleep is fine. There is no need for monitoring someone while they are sleeping. Depending on the time of day the injury occurred, it is unlikely the individual will go right to sleep. During this window, you can assess for red flags—signs of more serious brain trauma such as slurred speech, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, or unresponsiveness. If any of these are present, then going to the emergency room is usually needed.

For those who want to be cautious, light overnight monitoring is fine and doesn’t harm recovery, even though it’s not needed. But in most straightforward cases, uninterrupted sleep is both safe and beneficial. For more clarity, talk with our doctors at 813-838-4005.

Why Sleep Matters So Much After a Concussion

Sleep is a powerful tool for brain healing. During sleep—especially deep sleep—the brain repairs damaged cells, flushes out toxins, and resets critical neural functions. For someone recovering from a concussion, these processes are even more vital.

According to various studies and research, sleep supports:

  • Neuroplasticity – The brain’s ability to rewire and adapt post-injury.
  • Cognitive recovery – Rest helps rebuild attention, memory, and executive function.
  • Mood stability – Sleep regulates stress hormones and emotional reactivity.
  • Symptom management – Proper rest helps reduce headaches, fatigue, and light sensitivity.
  • Shortens Recovery Time: Better sleep is associated with a shorter duration of symptoms and a quicker return to normal activities.

Without enough sleep, your symptoms can worsen. The result is a vicious cycle where poor sleep causes increased symptoms, which in turn make it even harder to sleep. Breaking this cycle with quality rest is vital, and can also enhance the effects of complementary therapies like low-level laser therapy for concussion, which shows promise in supporting brain recovery.

Is It Easy to Sleep After a Concussion?

Well, not for all. Many people struggle to get the rest they need after a concussion. Roughly 70% of individuals with a concussion report sleep-related difficulty during their recovery with most having too little sleep versus oversleeping. It’s a frustrating cycle: concussion symptoms interfere with sleep, and poor sleep worsens those same symptoms.

These challenges can include:

  • Insomnia – Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Hypersomnia – Sleeping too much during the day
  • Nightmares or vivid dreams – Disturbing dreams that disrupt the rest
  • Sleep apnea – Interrupted breathing during sleep
  • Restless legs syndrome (RLS) – Uncomfortable sensations leading to constant movement
  • Poor sleep quality – You sleep, but still feel exhausted
  • Difficulty Waking: Some individuals report feeling groggy and having difficulty getting out of bed, even after a full night’s rest.

It should be noted that if you have any pre-existing issues with sleep this will impact your recovery even though previously you got away with 4-5 hours of sleep.

Is It Easy to Sleep After a Concussion? Sleep quality concussion

When to See a Doctor

It’s normal to experience some sleep disturbances after a concussion, but if you’re consistently struggling with trouble sleeping after a concussion, or if your symptoms are worsening, such as frequent waking, difficulty falling asleep, or feeling exhausted even after rest, it’s time to seek professional help.

That’s where Dr. Spencer Zimmerman, founder of Peak Brain and Body, can play a vital role in your recovery. With years of clinical experience in neuroplasticity-based concussion treatment, Dr. Zimmerman understands the complex relationship between brain injury and sleep. His unique approach focuses not only on symptom relief but also on long-term neural recovery and sleep regulation.

Depending on your condition, Dr. Zimmerman may recommend:

  • A comprehensive neurological evaluation

  • A sleep study to assess your sleep quality after a concussion

  • Personalized therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

  • Natural, non-invasive methods to reset your circadian rhythm and support brain healing and sleep

If you’re wondering, “Why do I sleep more after a concussion?” or “Why can’t I sleep at all?”, don’t ignore these signs. These could indicate deeper disruptions in your brain’s ability to self-regulate—something that requires expert guidance to resolve safely and effectively.

Book a consultation with Dr. Spencer Zimmerman (Brain Guy) today and take the first step toward full post-concussion sleep recovery. Your brain—and your sleep—deserve the best care available.

Tips for Promoting Healthy Sleep During Recovery

Given the importance of sleep, making it a priority during recovery is non-negotiable. Here’s how you can properly sleep:

  1. Stick to a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Yes, this includes even on the weekend, as your body doesn’t know that society created weekends.
  2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, and a cool room temperature to make your bedroom a calm, quiet refuge.
  3. Wind Down Without Screens: Avoid phones, tablets, and TVs at least an hour before bed. The blue light disrupts melatonin, the hormone that signals your body it’s time to sleep. 
  4. Avoid Stimulants: Skip caffeine and energy drinks, especially in the afternoon and evening. They can linger in your system and interfere with falling asleep.
  5. Try Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or light stretching can ease anxiety and prepare your body for rest.
  6. Limit Long Naps: Naps are often needed during recovery, but try to keep them under 30 minutes and avoid napping too close to bedtime. If a nap doesn’t impact your nighttime sleep, then it’s okay, but if it does, then you need to avoid naps completely.

In addition to healthy sleep habits, consult a medical provider to explore post-concussion syndrome headache treatment options if headaches are interfering with sleep or daily function.

Why can’t I sleep after a concussion?

After a concussion, the brain may struggle to regulate melatonin production and circadian rhythm. This is why many people experience delayed sleep onset, light sleep, or fragmented rest. Anxiety and physical symptoms—such as headaches or dizziness—may also make sleep difficult. In some cases, individuals may develop post-concussion sleep apnea or insomnia, which requires targeted treatment.

How long does fatigue last after a concussion?

Fatigue can last for weeks or even months after a concussion. While many people begin to feel better within 7–10 days, others experience prolonged fatigue that lingers for several weeks. This is often a sign that the brain is still healing or that sleep quality is poor, even if total hours of sleep seem adequate.

Can poor sleep delay concussion recovery?

Yes. Without high-quality sleep, the brain can’t fully recover. Poor sleep increases stress hormones, disrupts hormone regulation, and interferes with memory and mood. People who experience post-concussion insomnia often report longer recovery times and more severe symptoms.

Final Thoughts

The brain is a miraculous organ, capable of healing and adapting—but it needs your help to do so. Sleep is one of the most powerful, accessible tools we have for recovery. It clears toxins, repairs cells, balances mood, and rebuilds damaged neural pathways. Whether you’re supporting a loved one through a concussion or recovering from one yourself, don’t underestimate the role of rest.

If you’ve ruled out serious complications and there are no red flags, get a restful sleep. However, talking with a doctor first is mandatory. 

While sleep is an important part of concussion recovery, it is only one part. Addressing the complexity of a concussion is what we find helps individuals finally get their lives back after they’ve tried other treatments with little to no results.

To get a personalized consultation, you can connect with Dr. Spencer Zimmerman, who has a great reputation in treating concussions and brain injuries for over 10 years at Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel, FL.

How Can I Improve My Brain Function?

Dr Zimmerman on May 29, 2025

As a trusted clinic for brain health in Tampa, we meet patients every day who are dealing with various neurological issues.

Maybe you’re waking up exhausted, forgetting where you left your keys (again), or struggling to find the right words in conversation. Maybe brain fog symptoms, dizziness, or chronic fatigue have become so common that they’re your new normal.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not stuck. There are ways to improve brain function, and we’re here to help you uncover what’s missing.

7 Ways To Improve Brain Function

Here are some of the foundational steps you can take:

1. Get Curious About Your Symptoms

The first step toward improving brain function is recognizing that persistent symptoms like:

  • Brain fog

  • Trouble focusing

  • Poor memory

  • Mood swings or irritability

  • Low energy

…can be a result of poor brain health, not necessarily just thyroid, hormones, or gut health. These signals from your brain and body may indicate something deeper impacting cognitive function.

If you’re wondering, “What are the symptoms of poor brain function?”, we offer neurological testing for brain fog at our clinic to help identify the root cause of brain fog and other cognitive challenges.

  • 2. Prioritize Sleep 

Better sleep = better brain. Your brain is constantly working, even while you sleep. In fact, during deep sleep, your brain is busy clearing out waste, consolidating memories, and recharging for the next day.

If you’re not sleeping well, your brain can’t repair, detoxify, or reset. Poor sleep affects memory, focus, and mental clarity.

Here’s how to improve brain function through better sleep:

  • Aim for 7–9 hours per night.

  • Keep a consistent bedtime—even on weekends.

  • Limit screens and blue light at least an hour before bed.

  • Try magnesium or melatonin supplements for brain health under professional guidance.

If you sleep enough but still wake up tired, you’re not alone. We help patients overcome this every day.

3. Feed Your Gut with Healthy Food

If you’re thinking of how to improve brain function naturally, focus on your gut. The food you eat directly impacts cognitive performance and memory.

Reduce or eliminate:

  • Processed foods

  • Excessive sugar

  • Artificial sweeteners

  • Alcohol (especially in the evening)

Feed Your Gut with Healthy Food- peak brain and body

Instead, load up on:

  • Omega-3 for brain health from salmon, flaxseed, walnuts
  • Antioxidants from berries and leafy greens
  • Healthy fats like avocado and olive oil
  • B vitamins for mental energy and focus
  •  

4. Address the Root Causes of Brain Fog

Doing everything right, but still feel foggy? Ask yourself:
“Why is my brain not working properly?”

At Peak Brain and Body, we often uncover hidden causes of decreased brain performance:

  • Past head injuries or concussions

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies

  • Gut issues like dysbiosis

  • Chronic inflammation or autoimmune conditions

We use advanced diagnostics to create a personalized plan for clarity and focus, combining natural brain fog treatment methods with functional neurology to tackle the root cause of brain fog.

5. Don’t Ignore Stress

Chronic stress shrinks the hippocampus, increases inflammation, and disrupts sleep and concentration.

You can’t eliminate all stress, but you can develop healthy stress management for brain health:

  • Breathwork or deep breathing

  • Journaling

  • Support groups

  • Nature walks

  • Art, music, or creative hobbies

Don't Ignore Stress-peak brain and body

Even five minutes a day of intentional stress relief can calm the nervous system and improve brain performance.

6. Movement & Exercises 

How can physical activity improve brain function? By increasing blood flow, supporting neural connections, and releasing dopamine and serotonin.

Simple and effective:

  • Cardio (walking, swimming)

  • Strength training

  • Yoga, dance, or tai chi for coordination

Consistency is key — even 30 minutes a few times a week can significantly enhance mental clarity and energy.

7. Train Your Brain 

Looking for activities that improve brain function? You don’t need apps — your daily habits can sharpen focus.

Try:

  • Learning new skills

  • Crossword puzzles

  • Reading complex material

  • Playing strategy games

  • Socializing and mindfulness

These activities are scientifically proven to boost cognitive health naturally.

In the End: Get the Right Support

At Peak Brain and Body, we believe you. And we believe you can get better.

We’ve helped thousands of patients who had lost hope. People with lingering concussion symptoms, POTS/dysautonomia, autoimmune flares, chronic fatigue, and brain fog symptoms finally found answers when we looked beyond basic labs and connected the dots between the brain and body.

At our clinic, we specialize in complex cases—people who’ve seen multiple doctors, tried every supplement, and still feel off. Through natural brain fog treatment, functional neurology, functional medicine, and peptide therapy, we help our patients get to the root cause of brain fog and reclaim their lives.

Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, memory loss, mood changes, or post-concussion symptoms, know this:

You’re not broken. You’re not imagining it. And you can get better.

If you’re in the Tampa/Wesley Chapel area, we’d love to help. Call 813-838-4005 or request an appointment on our website.

Eat a balanced diet, engage in regular aerobic exercise, sleep well, reduce stress, and stay mentally active. These natural methods promote neurogenesis and boost mental performance over time.

Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can shrink the prefrontal cortex, impairing decision-making and memory. Managing stress is crucial for optimal brain performance.

Yes, certain supplements like omega-3s, vitamin D, and magnesium can support cognitive enhancement, but they should be taken under professional guidance.

Yes, our clinic provides specialized care for patients experiencing brain fog linked to type 2 diabetes or POTS, using a combination of functional medicine and peptide therapy

Tools like Lumosity, Elevate, and BrainHQ use AI-driven training programs to enhance focus, processing speed, and working memory.

Why Your Concussion Symptoms Haven’t Gone Away—And What You Can Do

Dr Zimmerman on May 8, 2025

If you’ve had concussion symptoms and still feel “off” weeks, months, or even years later, you’re not alone. Many of our patients come to Peak Brain and Body after trying everything—neurologists, medications, chiropractic adjustments, even years of rest—with little or no relief. They’re exhausted, foggy, dizzy, and frustrated.

You may feel like you’re walking through life with your brain in a cloud. Tasks that used to be second nature—focusing at work, remembering a word, getting through the day without a nap—now feel nearly impossible. If you aren’t able to take naps, then you probably wish you had the time to. And perhaps worst of all, you’ve been told that your symptoms are “normal,” or worse, “in your head.”

We hear you. And we’re here to tell you: there’s more to the story—and more that can be done.

Why Do Concussion Symptoms Sometimes Linger?

Most people are told that concussion symptoms resolve in 7 to 14 days. But that’s not always the case, as more and more research shows a large percentage actually don’t recover.

If your symptoms haven’t gone away, you may be dealing with what’s called post-concussion syndrome—and understanding the post-concussion syndrome symptoms timeline can help you see why recovery isn’t the same for everyone. In many cases, it’s a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that never fully healed. Yes, this can be present 5, 10, and even 30 years down the road. In reality, the brain’s recovery depends on more than time—it depends on how the injury is managed, whether deeper systems are disrupted, and how the brain and body interact during healing.

Here are a few of the most common reasons symptoms persist:

1. The Root Cause Was Never Identified

Concussions are more than a bump on the head—they’re a disruption to how the brain processes information. That means you can have perfectly normal scans and still struggle with:

At Peak Brain and Body, we use advanced neurological diagnostics to look deeper than conventional imaging. We assess brain function utilizing video oculography, computerized balance posturography, and, for some, we do brain mapping—so we don’t miss what others might.

2. Your Nervous System is Still Dysregulated

The brain controls everything—including your autonomic nervous system, which regulates sleep, digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure. After a concussion, this system can become imbalanced, leading to symptoms like

  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

  • Anxiety or panic without cause

  • Sensitivity to light or noise

  • Temperature dysregulation

  • Chronic fatigue

Infographic on nervous system dysregulation symptoms after concussion by Peak Brain and Body, including rapid heartbeat, anxiety, light sensitivity, temperature dysregulation, and chronic fatigue.

Your Nervous System is Still Dysregulated—Peak brain and body

We often find that concussion patients are dealing with dysautonomia or even conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)—but no one has put the pieces together. This is where neurotherapy for concussion recovery can help restore optimal brain function.

3. Inflammation is Keeping Your Brain Foggy

Your brain and immune system are deeply connected. After an injury, inflammation is a normal part of healing, but in some people, it never turns off. If you have underlying autoimmune conditions, gut dysfunction, or chronic stress, your inflammation can linger and impact your brain’s ability to recover.

This is why our approach includes functional medicine—we explore the whole-body contributors to lingering brain symptoms, including hormones, gut health, immune triggers, and nutrient deficiencies. As part of this, we may recommend a peptide therapy concussion recovery plan to support brain healing and cellular repair.

4. Your Recovery Plan Was Incomplete

Standard concussion advice—rest, avoid screens, and wait—isn’t enough for everyone. Medications may only mask symptoms without addressing the root causes. Generic therapy isn’t specific to what you need and, in many instances, will make you worse.

At Peak Brain and Body, we create customized recovery plans that go beyond rest, using:

  • Functional Neurology: Brain-based therapies tailored to your unique brain patterning

  • Peptide Therapy: Cutting-edge support for brain healing and cellular repair

  • Targeted Nutrition: Identifying deficiencies and supporting brain function

  • Vestibular Rehab for Post-Concussion Dizziness: Restoring balance and reducing vertigo

  • Oculomotor Therapy After Concussion: Improving visual tracking and coordination

  • Multimodal Physical Therapy Post Concussion: Combining multiple approaches for better outcomes

  • Autonomic Regulation Training: To calm an overactive nervous system

We may also incorporate light cardio exercises during concussion recovery and sleep hygiene concussion recovery tips to optimize healing speed and long-term outcomes.

So, What Can You Do Now?

If you’re still struggling with post-concussion symptoms, here’s what we recommend:

Stop Accepting “It’s All in Your Head”
You know something’s wrong. And you deserve answers. Don’t settle for being told your labs are “normal” when you feel anything but. Your experience is valid.

Seek a Provider Who Looks at the Whole Picture
Dr. Spencer Zimmerman is Florida’s only dual-licensed Doctor of Chiropractic and Nurse Practitioner specializing in Functional Neurology, Functional Medicine, and Peptide Therapy. He’s walked this road with his own family and has helped thousands who felt like lost causes.

Get Evaluated with Advanced Testing
Your brain is not a one-size-fits-all organ. We perform in-depth assessments to map how your brain is communicating, regulating, and processing information. This helps us create a treatment plan that’s unique to your physiology, not just your diagnosis.

Start a Personalized Healing Protocol
Our patients often say, “I wish I’d found you sooner.” That’s because we offer a level of care that goes far beyond the traditional route. Whether it’s optimizing sleep, balancing your nervous system, reducing inflammation, or retraining your brain’s pathways, our protocols are designed for long-term recovery, not short-term symptom suppression.

Conclusion

You’re not broken. You just haven’t had the right method—yet.

At Peak Brain and Body, we believe in restoring hope through thoughtful, integrative care. We understand the frustration of feeling dismissed and the exhaustion of trying everything without results. That’s why we created a center where your story matters and your healing is possible.

Whether you’re local to Tampa or traveling from out of town, we’re here to help you. Request an appointment today!

What Causes Brain Fog? A Systems-Based Look at the 6 Root Causes

Dr Zimmerman on March 30, 2025

If you’ve ever found yourself walking into a room and forgetting why, struggling to find the right words during a conversation, or feeling like your brain is stuck in a haze—you’re not alone.

You are likely dealing with brain fog and have probably thought what causes brain fog causes?

“Brain fog” is one of the most common complaints we hear in our clinic, Peak Brain and Body—a functional medicine and functional neurology clinic in Wesley Chapel. Some know it’s an issue they want addressed, but others aren’t sure if it’s just a normal part of aging. Yet despite how widespread it is, it’s often dismissed, misunderstood, or chalked up to aging, stress, or hormones. But here’s the truth:

Brain fog is not “just in your head.” It’s your body’s way of telling you that something deeper is off, but it’s non-specific.

In this article, we’re going to explore six major systems in the body that can cause or contribute to brain fog—many of which are often overlooked by conventional healthcare. If you’re someone who’s tried supplements, changed your diet, and still feels “off,” this deep dive is for you.

You may also watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/live/YDeuV-rS8I0

What Is Brain Fog?

First things first: brain fog isn’t a diagnosis. It’s a symptom – a signal that something in your body is out of balance. It might show up as:

  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating

  • Forgetting common words or losing your train of thought mid-sentence

  • Feeling mentally fatigued even after sleeping well (especially if you experience sleep deprivation)

  • Zoning out or spacing out during the day

  • A sense that your brain is “in a cloud”

And while it’s common, it’s not always normal – especially when it starts affecting your daily life, your relationships, and your ability to work and connect with others.

Now let’s look at why brain fog happens and what your body may be trying to tell you. Remember, brain fog is always a neurological symptom, but it may not always be due to poor brain health and may be the result of problems in other parts of the body like Gut Health, thyroid imbalance brain fog, insulin resistance brain fog symptoms, or even post-COVID gut brain fog.

So, what causes brain fog?

The Six Body Systems That Can Cause Brain Fog

Functional Neurology for What Causes Brain Fog

Graphic Representation of Brain Fog

1. Gastrointestinal (Gut) Health and Brain Fog

Your Gut Health and your brain are intimately connected through what scientists call the gut-brain axis. The bacteria in your gut produce neurotransmitters, influence inflammation levels through metabolites known as short chain fatty acids, and communicate directly with your nervous system.

When something is off in the gut, your brain may be impacted.

Common gut-related contributors to brain fog:

  • Dysbiosis: An imbalance in gut bacteria. You may have too many harmful bacteria or too few beneficial ones. This disrupts digestion, nutrient absorption, and produces inflammatory byproducts that can affect brain function.

  • Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability): When the gut lining becomes too porous, it allows toxins, food particles, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation, including in the brain.

  • Processed Foods & Inflammatory Diets: Diets high in sugar, refined carbs, and additives fuel inflammation in both the gut and brain. For some, over time this leads to decreased mental clarity. For others, they may notice changes in brain function minutes or hours after eating foods or drinking certain things.

Some individuals experience post-COVID gut brain fog, where lingering gut inflammation and immune dysregulation cloud cognitive function.

How to address it:

  • Track your food intake for 7 days. Cut out ultra-processed foods and added sugars as a good starting point.

  • Consider an elimination diet or Paleo-style eating plan (vegetables, high-quality proteins, healthy fats). Track how you feel with the dietary changes. If you try to reintroduce foods and notice a negative shift, it’s best to avoid those items.

  • If you’ve cleaned up your nutrition and symptoms persist, stool testing can evaluate your microbiome and identify dysbiosis, pathogens, or leaky gut markers. This allows you to receive a specific treatment designed for you—often including psychobiotics for brain fog to support neuro-immune function.

2. Neurological Function and Brain Fog

Brain fog is a neurological symptom, meaning something is disrupting the way your brain functions. It could be:

  • Old concussions (even ones from years ago). In our experience 90% of individuals who are still struggling with concussion issues have no clue it’s what is keeping them stuck.

  • Neurological inefficiency (your brain is working too hard to complete simple tasks)

  • Visual processing—the brain has to take in an enormous amount of information, and this can be taxing on the brain. Problems with eye movement function, such as gaze fixation, pursuits, saccades, and vergence, can lead to brain fog.

Your brain uses more energy than any other organ. When it becomes inefficient—whether due to an old injury, eye strain, or abnormal sensory input—it starts to feel foggy.

Brain Testing & evaluation:

  • Computerized eye movement testing (video oculography) evaluates gaze fixation, saccades, and pursuits. Nearly 99% of our patients have never had this test performed. It’s off in upwards of 75% of the individuals we see and is a big piece of their inability to get the results they want until it gets addressed—highlighting the need for functional neurology treatment.

  • Balance testing and qEEG (quantitative EEG) identify areas of neurological inefficiency.

  • A thorough history can reveal concussions that may have been overlooked or dismissed.

Addressing neurological function isn’t just for athletes—it’s often the missing piece in brain fog recovery for those who have tried everything else, like hormones, B-vitamins, thyroid interventions, and other therapies.

3. Cardiovascular Health and Brain Fog

Your brain relies on constant, efficient blood flow to function. If your cardiovascular system isn’t working well, your brain may be under-supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

Subtle cardiovascular contributors to brain fog include:

  • High blood pressure or undiagnosed hypertension

  • Hypotension as seen in dysautonomia

  • Elevated triglycerides or cholesterol

  • Inflammatory markers like homocysteine

  • Lipoprotein(a) and ApoB (which increase your risk of plaque buildup)

  • Low omega-3 fatty acid intake

How to evaluate it:

  • Full lipid panel, including ApoB and Lipoprotein(a)

  • Homocysteine levels

  • Omega-3 to omega-6 ratio

  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan to assess plaque buildup

Even if you feel “fine,” silent cardiovascular issues could be stealing your brain’s clarity. It takes years for cardiovascular trouble to show up. Prevention is key for lasting brain fog recovery.

4. Immune System & Chronic Inflammation Contributing to Brain Fog

Chronic Inflammation is one of the most common underlying causes of brain fog. When your immune system is out of balance, your brain function can suffer. Many factors already discussed—like gut dysfunction and hormonal shifts—also drive immune changes.

Major immune contributors to brain fog:

  • Chronic infections (Epstein-Barr virus, herpes virus, Candida, gut infections without fevers)

  • Mold exposure (inflammatory reactions in sensitive individuals)

  • Autoimmunity (Hashimoto’s, lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis—all associated with brain fog symptoms)

How to evaluate it:

  • Immune testing for mold (IgG, IgE to mycotoxins)

  • ANA panel and tissue-specific autoimmune markers based on symptoms/history

  • Lab testing for chronic infections via blood or stool

Autoimmunity is a spectrum. Early detection provides the best opportunity for healing. Identifying immune dysfunction early supports more effective brain fog recovery.

5. Musculoskeletal System and Brain Fog

Tension, misalignment, or dysfunction in the muscles and joints of your upper spine, neck, or jaw can contribute to pain and brain fog.

Key physical contributors:

  • TMJ dysfunction (tenderness or tightness in the jaw)

  • Neck misalignment or tension

  • Poor posture from screen use

While chiropractic care can help in some cases, musculoskeletal issues are rarely the only cause of brain fog. If you also have neck pain or headaches, it should be evaluated—especially during a brain fog recovery journey.

Self-check: Press gently where your jaw hinges, just below your temples. If it’s tender, you may benefit from TMJ therapy or manual work on those muscles.

6. Endocrine System (Hormones & Blood Sugar) and Brain Fog

Hormonal imbalances and blood sugar instability are major drivers of brain fog.

Top endocrine contributors:

  • Thyroid dysfunction—when slow, it often causes thyroid imbalance brain fog. The most common underlying cause is Hashimoto’s.

  • Sex hormone imbalance (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)—these impact immune and brain health.

  • Insulin resistance brain fog symptoms—even if you’re not diabetic, blood sugar spikes or dips can cloud your brain.

Lab work to ask for:

  • Full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3/T4, Total T3/T4, Thyroid antibodies)

  • Sex hormones (Free/total testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, total estrogen)

  • Blood sugar labs (Fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, OGTT)

If you feel tired or foggy after eating, your blood sugar may be on a roller coaster. Tracking how food affects energy is a key part of brain fog recovery.

Peak Brain and Body Treatment For Brain Fog

If you’ve seen multiple providers and still feel foggy, it’s not your fault. Most primary care visits are rushed. Most specialists only focus on one system.

The reality is: brain fog is usually not caused by just one thing. It’s a sign that your body is out of balance in multiple areas.

That’s why at Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel, we use an integrated, systems-based approach to uncover the unique combination of factors affecting each patient—including Gut Health, immune, neurological, metabolic, and hormonal contributors—to guide your brain fog recovery.

We look at both brain and body health, not one or the other. This allows us to identify the pieces of your puzzle contributing to brain fog.

You Deserve to Feel Sharp Again

If brain fog is interfering with your work, your relationships, or your sense of self, don’t ignore it.

The earlier you uncover the root causes, the sooner you can start reversing the damage. And yes—for most people, brain fog recovery is possible. You won’t have to wonder any longer what causes brain fog.

Individuals routinely turn to Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel as a trusted center for Functional Medicine and Functional Neurology to find answers to chronic and complex symptoms and conditions.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, we’re here to help.

About Dr. Spencer Zimmerman


Dr. Zimmerman is a dual-licensed Nurse Practitioner and Chiropractor—and is the only dual-licensed provider in Florida with advanced training in Functional Neurology, Functional Medicine, and Peptide Therapy. He is the best-selling author of Brain Reset: 7 Steps to a Healthier Brain and the founder of Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel, FL.

 

Post-Concussion Symptoms Treatment: The Missing Link in Your Recovery

Dr Zimmerman on March 22, 2025

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re still living with the effects of a concussion—whether it happened recently or years ago. Maybe you’ve been struggling with concussion symptoms like brain fog, fatigue in concussion, dizziness, concussion headache, or mood changes. Maybe you’ve tried physical therapy, chiropractic, medications, or supplements, and yet… something still feels off.

You’re not alone—and it’s not in your head despite the likelihood you’ve been told multiple times it’s from anxiety, depression, or that a concussion can’t impact you for that long. Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury and are often classified as mild traumatic brain injury.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about post concussion syndrome treatment in Tampa—from how concussions are (often wrongly) diagnosed, to the most common concussion myths, and most importantly, what proper post concussion treatment should actually look like.

Because what most people are getting isn’t sufficient? It’s not the full picture. And that’s why Peak Brain and Body is a leader in post concussion recovery and post concussion clinic care in Tampa and beyond.

This is the information I wish someone had given my wife 15 years before we finally discovered the root cause of her daily symptoms. She shouldn’t have had to suffer with daily headaches amongst many other symptoms.

There is a video version here: https://youtube.com/live/zdA0fYzWMw4

Why I Care So Much About Concussions (And Why You Should Too)

This is personal for me.

My wife had three concussions in her younger years. For over a decade, she battled with brain fog, fatigue in concussion, dizziness, and mood swings. She went to a couple doctors and was told it was just hormones, puberty, or stress. Even if she brought it up to her parents, the reply was “you’ve already been to the doctor.” No one put the pieces together. No one ever said, “Hey—this might be from a brain injury.”

That changed when I was working in a brain injury clinic. She realized that the concussion symptoms that individuals were having resolved on a daily basis were part of her everyday life. They were so common that she didn’t even mention them, because weren’t those symptoms that most people had? We finally did the right evaluations, uncovered what was missed, and began treatment that actually addressed her brain function. It was the beginning of her healing—and it changed the trajectory of my career.

Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people who’ve been struggling silently for far too long.

People like you.

People who know something’s wrong but can’t get clear answers or real solutions. People who’ve been dismissed or told “you’re fine” based on a 5-minute exam or a normal MRI. People who’ve been told to “just wait it out” or “it’s all anxiety.” People who’ve tried functional medicine and been told maybe it was their thyroid, hormones, or gut health when in reality it was an unresolved concussion. In my experience, nearly 90% of those still struggling with concussion symptoms have no clue that is the driving factor for the symptoms they have.

I see you—and I want you to know: there’s hope. And there’s help.

The Most Common Concussion Myths That Keep People From Healing

Let’s start with some hard truths—because these concussion myths are harming people every single day. You’ve been told these from family, friends, co-workers, and even worse other medical providers:

“You didn’t lose consciousness, so it can’t be a concussion.”

False. About 90% of concussions don’t involve loss of consciousness. That’s not a requirement.

“You didn’t hit your head.”

Also false. A whiplash injury—like in a car accident or fall—is more than enough to cause a concussion. You don’t need a visible bump or bruise on your head. In our experience, concussions are the most undiagnosed and untreated injuries that occur in a car accident.

“Your imaging came back normal.”

This one makes my blood boil. A normal CT or MRI just means there’s no bleed or fracture. It says nothing about brain function or about a possible concussion. Most concussions won’t show up on those scans as they aren’t made to detect it. That doesn’t mean you’re okay, even if a provider says your imaging looks good and you are fine. This isn’t true and don’t fall for it.

“You just need to rest and wait it out.”

Maybe that made sense 20 years ago based upon our limited understanding of the brain. But if you’re still being told to sit in a dark room and “wait it out,” you’re not being given current, science-backed guidance. In fact, that kind of advice has been shown to delay your recovery.

“You’re just anxious or depressed.”

Yes, concussions can affect mood—but brushing off your brain-based symptoms as “mental health” issues without evaluating your brain is a huge disservice. We know that it’s very common to develop depression or anxiety after a concussion. We also know that pre-existing depression prolongs concussion recovery and tends to worsen symptoms. That doesn’t mean it is all from depression, but the way these issues interact with concussion recovery.

Concussion myths

Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms

Maybe you’ve had a concussion and were told you’d bounce back in a few weeks—but here you are, months or years later, still not feeling like yourself.

Here are some of the concussion symptoms we commonly see in people with undiagnosed or untreated post concussion syndrome:

  • Brain fog that makes it hard to think clearly or find words

  • Fatigue in concussion cases that worsens throughout the day and doesn’t improve with rest

  • Concussion headache or pressure in your head

  • Concussion neck pain or stiffness

  • Difficulty focusing or remembering things

  • Light and sound sensitivity

  • Dizziness, motion sensitivity, or nausea

  • Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings

  • Sleep issues—either insomnia or waking up unrefreshed

concussion symptoms

If two or more of these symptoms got worse after your injury—or even if they were already present but intensified—your brain may be struggling to function normally. And you deserve to know why.

How Is a Concussion Diagnosed

Here’s how we determine whether your concussion symptoms are linked to a past injury:

1. A Clear Mechanism of Injury of Concussion

This could be a car accident, fall, sports collision, or any event involving a blow to the head or body that jolts the brain.

2. Clinical Signs of Concussion

Clinical signs would be findings that occur at the time of the concussion. This includes vomiting, loss of consciousness, confusion, and gross motor instability. You do not need to have these to be diagnosed if you have parts 1, 3 and 4.

3. New or Worsened Symptoms of Concussion

According to clinical guidelines, having two or more new or aggravated symptoms is enough to raise a red flag.

4. Objective Clinical Findings of Concussion

This includes eye movement testing, computerized balance assessments, and vestibular evaluations. (More on that in a second.)

5. No Better Explanation

If your symptoms don’t line up with another condition, and testing reveals brain dysfunction, a concussion diagnosis makes clinical sense—even without imaging abnormalities.

Here is a graphic from the American Congress of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for diagnostic criteria for MTBI. 

mTBI diagnosis criteria

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Diagnostic Criteria for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Silverberg, Noah D. et al.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 104, Issue 8, 1343 – 1355

Why Most People Aren’t Diagnosed Properly For Concussion

Too often, people are told, “Your scans are normal. You’re fine.” They might get a quick check of reflexes and be sent on their way. It’s unfortunate that this happens, but most providers receive little to no training on concussions. 

Here’s what’s missing, objective testing:

Computerized Balance Testing

This shows how well your brain integrates signals from your eyes, vestibular system, and body. The platform measures how much you move on a firm and perturbed surface with eyes open and closed. Beyond this, evaluating tandem stance and one legged stance is also important.

Eye Movement Testing (Video Oculography)

We use specialized goggles to record your eye movements. Why? Because your eye movements are directly connected to brain function. It is important to measure gaze fixation, pursuits, saccades, anti-saccades, optokinetics, and spontaneous nystagmus. If you can’t smoothly follow a target, your brain isn’t processing information correctly and this will routinely cause a variety of symptoms. 

QEEG Brain Mapping

This measures your brainwave activity. While not diagnostic on its own, it’s a powerful way to measure progress and see how your brain is functioning. In the future, this testing will likely be more important as research will be able to correlate certain brainwave patterns with concussions.

Why Most Treatments Fail (And What You Actually Need)

Many try one therapy at a time—vision therapy, vestibular rehab, neurofeedback—yet still don’t recover. That’s because concussions affect multiple systems.

You need an integrated plan addressing:

  • Neurological dysfunction

  • Brain energy production

  • Vestibular & visual processing (concussion Oculomotor therapy, concussion Vestibular therapy)

  • Inflammatory & immune factors

  • Pre-existing health

Think of it like trying to play your favorite song—but each instrument is playing solo. You need them all working together in harmony as that is the only way you get the results you want.

Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment in Tampa at Peak Brain and Body 

At our clinic, we go beyond checklists and guesswork. Every treatment plan is custom-built based on detailed testing. And instead of treating one system in isolation, we stack therapies together in a sequence that makes sense for your brain.

Our Treatment Toolbox Includes:

  • Oculomotor therapy is based on improving the brain’s ability to perform a variety of functions.
  • Vestibular therapy to integrate the function of vestibular, visual, and cervical spine.
  • Postural and neck retraining
  • Photobiomodulation (laser therapy) to reduce inflammation and support cellular energy
  • Brain-based cognitive training and hand-eye coordination drills
  • Targeted supplementation and peptide therapy
  • Functional medicine to address root issues like gut health, hormones, autoimmunity, or mold exposure

We do all of this in a way that’s dynamic—just like your brain. And it works.

Real Recovery Is Possible

If you’ve been told there’s nothing else you can do, I want to tell you this: That’s not true.

I’ve seen people who’ve been struggling for 5, 10, even 15 years start to recover—because someone finally asked the right questions and ran the right tests.

I’ve seen people go from canceling plans and calling off work… to being present with their families again. Getting their careers back. Enjoying life again.

And the best part? Most people don’t need lifetime care. They need the right care at the right time—tailored to their brain. The brain can change fast when it’s provided the right information and supported. 

You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Misunderstood.

If you’ve been told your symptoms are all in your head, or that you should have recovered by now—let me say this loud and clear:

You’re not crazy. You’re not lazy. And you’re not broken.

You’re dealing with a brain that hasn’t fully recovered. And once we understand where the disconnects are—we can start fixing them.

It doesn’t matter what you’ve tried in the past, our clinic is full of individuals who tried numerous other therapies before they finally came in and found answers and solutions. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re in the Tampa area or are willing to fly in and you’re ready for real answers—and real progress—we’re here for you.

Peak Brain and Body, located in Wesley Chapel, FL, offers the most advanced post-concussion syndrome treatment in the Tampa metro area. It’s led by Dr. Zimmerman who is a best selling author and the only dual-licensed nurse practitioner and chiropractor integrating advanced neurological diagnostics, functional neurology, functional medicine, and peptide therapy in the state of Florida and one of a few in the entire United States.

Click below to schedule your comprehensive brain health evaluation and take the first step toward feeling like you again.

Yes. People with post-concussion syndrome symptoms timeline often notice that dizziness, headaches, or trouble concentrating may improve for a while and then return, especially if they overexert physically or mentally. Tracking your symptoms over weeks and months can help guide recovery strategies.

No. Vestibular rehab for post concussion dizziness can help even in mild cases. The therapy aims to retrain your brain and inner ear to work together, reducing imbalance and improving stability, regardless of symptom severity.

Oculomotor therapy after concussion focuses on restoring normal eye movement control, which is often disrupted. This can help reduce blurred vision, improve reading ability, and ease headaches linked to visual strain.

Neurotherapy for concussion recovery uses brainwave training to support cognitive function, mood regulation, and energy levels. It can be combined with physical therapy for a more comprehensive healing plan.

Good sleep hygiene concussion recovery tips—such as setting a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calm environment—are critical because the brain heals most effectively during deep rest.

Functional Neurology Tampa: The Future of Brain Health and Rehabilitation

Dr Zimmerman on March 8, 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, functional medicine has taken center stage in offering a more personalized, in-depth approach to wellness. But within this movement, one of the most transformative and underrecognized fields is Functional Neurology—a groundbreaking approach that holds the key to unlocking solutions for a vast array of neurological conditions and symptoms. You will learn there are many common symptoms that individuals don’t routinely associate with brain health but they actually are.

At Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel, near Tampa Bay, Dr. Spencer Zimmerman stands at the forefront of this revolution. As one of the nation’s most sought-after practitioners who combines functional neurology chiropractic care with functional medicine, his expertise extends far beyond state lines—patients from across the country and even internationally travel to see him, seeking answers that conventional neurology has failed to provide. If you’ve ever searched for a “functional neurology center” or wondered about “functional neurology near me,” Peak Brain and Body is a destination that offers advanced answers and results.

Here is the video version: click here

What Is Functional Neurology?

Functional Neurology is an advanced, non-pharmaceutical approach to diagnosing and treating neurological dysfunctions. Unlike traditional neurology, which largely relies on MRIs, CT scans, and pathology-based diagnostics, functional neurology delves into how the brain is functioning rather than just identifying structural damage. By assessing eye movements, balance, coordination, cognitive function, and movement patterns, functional neurology evaluates the intricate connections within the brain to pinpoint dysfunction and develop targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Functional neurology is built on the foundation of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and heal itself based on stimulation. By leveraging precise rehabilitation techniques, functional neurology helps retrain the brain, optimize neural pathways, and restore lost function.

Who Can Functional Neurology Help?

Dr. Zimmerman and his team at Peak Brain and Body have treated thousands of patients suffering from a wide range of complex neurological conditions, including:

  • Long COVID & Dysautonomia (ICD10 classified disorder)

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Dysautonomia vs POTS)

  • Stroke Recovery

  • Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries (with specialized concussion therapy near me programs)

  • Chronic Fatigue & Brain Fog

  • Neurodegenerative Conditions (Parkinson’s, Early Dementia, Alzheimer’s)

  • Living with Chronic Migraine & severe headaches

  • Vertigo & Dizziness

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Diagram highlighting what functional neurology can help, including Long COVID, Dysautonomia/POTS, stroke, concussion therapy, traumatic brain injury treatment center care, migraines, vertigo, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

From Dysautonomia and POTS to concussions and chronic migraines, functional neurology chiropractic care offers solutions for a wide range of conditions

Even if those with the diagnoses and symptoms above are told what is wrong, they are often left frustrated that there isn’t a lot that can be done. On the other side, many of these individuals are told that their labs and imaging are normal, often leading to them being sent to a mental health provider.

If you’ve experienced this and have been told your tests are “normal” but you still struggle with symptoms, functional neurology may be the missing piece in your health journey.

How Does Functional Neurology Differ from Traditional Neurology?

One of the biggest misconceptions in healthcare is that there is only one approach to evaluating and treating the nervous system. In reality, traditional neurology and functional neurology take completely different approaches:

Traditional NeurologyFunctional Neurology
Focuses on disease pathology and structural damageFocuses on neurological function and performance
Relies on imaging (MRI, CT scans) and blood workUses in-depth neurological testing (eye movements, balance, cognitive function, QEEG)
Treatments focus on medications and surgeryTreatments involve targeted brain rehabilitation and neuroplasticity training
Often tells patients “there’s nothing wrong” if no pathology is foundIdentifies and corrects neurological dysfunctions even if imaging is normal

Both of these approaches to brain health and function have a place as neither one is equipped to handle all neurological-based symptoms and conditions.

Many patients leave traditional neurology appointments feeling unheard, frustrated, and stuck with no solutions. Functional neurology changes the game by addressing how the brain functions and finding ways to restore it. That’s why so many patients now seek out a dedicated center for community brain health like Peak Brain and Body.

What to Expect in a Functional Neurology Evaluation

At Peak Brain and Body, a functional neurology evaluation is a deep dive into your brain’s function, using the latest advanced neurological testing that most doctors don’t even know exist. These evaluations include:

1. Eye Movement Analysis (Video Oculography)

Your eye movements provide a direct window into your brain health. Using cutting-edge videooculography, we can detect dysfunctions in different areas of the brain, helping guide targeted rehabilitation.

2. Balance & Postural Testing (Computerized Balance Posturography)

A specialized computerized balance platform is used to assess postural stability and vestibular function. Poor balance can be an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Balance is also routinely off with long-covid, concussions, whiplash, strokes, dysautonomia, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. 

3. Quantitative EEG (QEEG) Brain Mapping

A QEEG measures brain wave activity to identify abnormalities in neural communication, helping tailor treatments for patients with conditions like brain fog, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and post-concussion syndrome.

4. Cognitive & Reaction Time Testing

By evaluating how quickly and accurately your brain processes information, we can detect subtle impairments in cognitive function before they become major issues.

5. Functional Neurological Exam

This involves assessing reflexes, coordination, dual-tasking abilities, and cranial nerve function, which reveals how different brain regions are communicating and working together.

Functional Neurology Treatments: Rewiring the Brain for Healing

Once dysfunctions are identified, the next step is highly targeted brain rehabilitation. Unlike protocol-based care, functional neurology chiropractic treatment at Peak Brain and Body is about precision—designing a program based on your brain’s unique weaknesses and strengths.

Common Functional Neurology Treatments Include:

  • Oculomotor Therapy – Strengthening brain function by using a specific combination of eye movements.
  • Vestibular & Balance Training – Restoring vestibular and cerebellar function to improve dizziness, vertigo, and coordination.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination & Reaction Time Exercises – Enhancing cognitive flexibility and neural processing speed.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – A non-invasive therapy that stimulates brain activity and helps depression, anxiety, insomnia, and much more.
  • Neuromodulation & Brainwave Training – Using neurofeedback and light therapy to retrain the brain.
  • Targeted Physical Exercise – Driving neurogenesis (new brain cell growth) and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) to optimize brain function to support treatments performed in the office.

The Evolution of Functional Neurology: Beyond Rehab

Early functional neurology focused primarily on rehabilitation, but the field has expanded to address the broader factors influencing brain health. At Peak Brain and Body, Dr. Zimmerman integrates functional medicine into his neurological treatments, ensuring that underlying factors such as gut health, inflammation, hormones, immune function, and metabolic issues are addressed alongside neurological rehabilitation.

This whole-body approach ensures that patients get the highest level of care and long-term success that functional neurology on its own may not achieve.

Why Patients Travel from Across the Country to See Dr. Zimmerman

Patients don’t just come from Tampa Bay—they fly in from all over the United States and beyond because of Dr. Zimmerman’s expertise, advanced diagnostic techniques, and groundbreaking treatment protocols. For those searching for a traumatic brain injury treatment center that looks beyond standard care, Peak Brain and Body stands out as a trusted leader.

Is Functional Neurology Right for You?

If you have been struggling with brain fog, dizziness, chronic fatigue, memory loss, headaches, concussions, or other neurological symptoms and have been told “everything is normal or nothing else can be done and you must wait it out,” functional neurology may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

At Peak Brain and Body, we go beyond symptom management—we uncover and correct the root cause of neurological dysfunction to help you regain control of your brain and body.

Schedule a consultation with our Peak Brain and Body team today. Don’t wait for answers—get the care you deserve at a leading Tampa Bay functional neurology center.

 

Is functional neurology the same as chiropractic care?

No, functional neurology is not the same as traditional chiropractic care. While both may address the nervous system, functional neurology focuses specifically on brain function, neuroplasticity, and customized neurological exercises, whereas chiropractic care primarily deals with spinal alignment and musculoskeletal adjustments.

Yes. Functional neurology is commonly used in concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery. Through neuro-rehabilitation exercises, visual-vestibular therapy, and brain stimulation, patients often experience improvements in focus, balance, memory, and overall brain health.

Functional neurology can help with migraines, vertigo, balance disorders, concussions, ADHD, post-stroke rehabilitation, dysautonomia, POTS, brain fog, and many other neurological challenges.

Functional neurology is considered safe because it uses non-invasive, drug-free therapies. Treatments are customized for each patient and adjusted based on progress, making it a sustainable long-term approach to managing neurological conditions.

Functional Medicine Approach To Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Dr Zimmerman on March 2, 2025

A Functional Medicine Approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding the Root Cause

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet traditional treatments often fall short. Many individuals feel dismissed or unheard after being diagnosed, with limited options for true recovery. Functional medicine, however, offers a root-cause approach, addressing the underlying drivers of CFS rather than just managing symptoms.

Dr. Zimmerman at Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel is a leading expert in helping individuals find answers and solutions for chronic fatigue syndrome through a non-pharmaceutical approach. His patient-centered approach focuses on identifying triggers such as infections, gut health, neurological dysfunction, and lifestyle factors.

In this article, we’ll explore what actually causes chronic fatigue syndrome, why traditional medicine struggles to treat it effectively, and how a chronic fatigue syndrome holistic treatment plan in functional medicine can lead to better outcomes.

If you prefer a video version: Watch It Here

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Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Tampa

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a complex condition characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. It is classified as a syndrome, meaning it consists of a set of correlated medical signs and symptoms rather than a specific disease with one defined cause.

There are a variety of symptoms individuals may experience: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, brain fog, headache, tachycardia, allergies, and frequently getting sick. A proper chronic fatigue syndrome test may include immune system evaluation, blood sugar analysis, neurological exams, and gut health assessments to determine contributing factors.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Arron HE, Marsh BD, Kell DB, Khan MA, Jaeger BR and Pretorius E (2024) Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease. Front. Immunol. 15:1386607. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386607

Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in females than males and is typically diagnosed when symptoms persist for six months or longer after ruling out other conditions like iron deficiency, blood sugar imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, or diabetes as the sole cause. With that being said, these can co-exist and may play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Overlapping Conditions of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

One of the key challenges in treating CFS is its overlap with other conditions. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome specialists often point out that POTS has significant symptom similarities, including dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, and immune dysfunction. Research shows that 95% of CFS patients experience worsening symptoms when moving from a seated or lying position to standing.

Rather than viewing CFS as a single disease, it’s more helpful to see it as a multi-system dysfunction impacting neurological, immune, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. This is why individuals are sent to a variety of specialists, but also struggle to get better.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The functional medicine approach to chronic fatigue syndrome starts with a fundamental question: What is driving the condition? Several contributing factors can set off the cycle of chronic fatigue, including infections, neurological dysfunction disorders, gut health issues, and immune dysregulation.

1. Pathogens and Chronic Infections Role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites—can play a significant role in the development and persistence of chronic fatigue. Some of the most common infectious triggers include:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – Often associated with reactivation in CFS patients. Note that most of the population has been exposed to EBV. The labs that would suggest an ongoing EBV issue include EBV early antigen IgG and EBV viral capsid antigen IgM.
  • SARS-CoV-2 (Long COVID) – Can lead to post-viral fatigue and brain inflammation. Numerous studies have shown that the immune response can create a brain injury which explains why so many struggle with neurological symptoms after COVID.
  • Herpes viruses – Including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and HHV-6.
  • Lyme disease and co-infections – Bartonella, Babesia, and Mycoplasma pneumonia.
  • Mold and mycotoxins – Often overlooked but significant in chronic fatigue cases.

Often, chronic infections and toxin exposure weaken the immune system, creating persistent fatigue. In some cases, mycotoxin testing is recommended to uncover mold exposure that may otherwise go undetected.

2. Neurological Dysfunction and Brain Inflammation

Chronic fatigue syndrome is often associated with neurological impairments, such as brain fog, dizziness, headaches, concentration, and word-finding difficulties. Research shows that inflammation in the body can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering an immune response in the brain’s microglial cells. This leads to:

  • Cognitive dysfunction (memory issues, poor concentration).
  • Mood imbalances (anxiety, depression, irritability).
  • Dysautonomia (heart rate and blood pressure irregularities).

Targeted therapies, such as functional neurology and neurological exercises, can help improve brain connectivity and restore energy regulation.

3. Gut Health and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The gut plays a crucial role in immune function and inflammation. Many CFS patients have dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), which contributes to:

  • Leaky gut (intestinal permeability) – Allowing inflammatory molecules to enter circulation.
  • Low butyrate production – Reducing the gut’s ability to regulate inflammation.
  • Inflammation spilling into the brain – Worsening cognitive symptoms and fatigue.

Addressing gut health through targeted nutrition, prebiotics, and probiotics can help improve overall energy levels and immune function.

Why Traditional Medicine Fails to Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In conventional medicine, treatment for CFS is typically symptom-based, often relying on stimulants or antidepressants for chronic fatigue syndrome. While these may provide temporary relief, they do not address underlying causes.

Symptom Traditional Treatment Functional Medicine Approach
Fatigue Stimulants (Adderall, Modafinil) Addressing infections, gut health, mitochondrial function
Brain Fog Antidepressants, stimulants Reducing neuroinflammation, improving brain connectivity
Pain NSAIDs, muscle relaxants Reducing systemic inflammation, targeted neurological exercises
Gut Issues Laxatives, antidiarrheals Restoring gut microbiome balance, healing leaky gut

Functional medicine, on the other hand, identifies and treats the drivers of CFS—whether they are pathogens, gut imbalances, brain inflammation, or environmental toxins. This difference explains why many patients feel more supported through a patient-centered approach in functional medicine.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Wesley Chapel

Functional medicine goes beyond symptom management by performing in-depth testing to find the underlying factors driving the symptoms that make up this syndrome. We are going to explore some that that providers will often use when utilizing a functinal medicine approach to chronic fatigue syndrome. With this testing the provider is able to create personalized treatment plans. Here’s how it differs from conventional care:

1. Comprehensive Testing

A functional medicine provider will assess multiple body systems using tests such as:

  • Advanced stool testing – Identifies gut imbalances and infections.
  • Blood panels: to evaluate endocrine, metabolic, and vascular factors.
  • Mold and mycotoxin testing – Evaluates mold exposure’s impact on the immune system. There is a dispute on the best testing: urine vs blood. We utilize blood testing that measures the immune response to mycotoxins and believe it is superior to urine. Having mycotoxins in urine doesn’t mean it’s creating an issue for the individual.
  • Immune function panels – Measures inflammatory markers and immune imbalances.
  • Neurological testing – Includes video oculography to assess brain function. We will discuss this more below as over 95% of functional medicine providers do not measure brain health and function.

Based on results, treatment is focused on restoring balance and supporting natural healing. This might include gut repair, detoxification, brain connectivity therapies, mitochondrial support, and neurological exercises.

2. Targeted, Root-Cause Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Once underlying causes are identified, treatment focuses on restoring balance. This may include:

  • Mitochondrial support – Improving energy production with key nutrients like CoQ10, acetyl-L-carnitine, and B vitamins; but this is always done in conjunction with nutrition changes.
  • Brain connectivity therapy – Strengthening brain function through functional neurology techniques.
  • Gut repair protocols – Using dietary interventions and microbiome support. 
  • Detoxification support – Removing toxins that contribute to inflammation by avoiding exposure and using targeted nutrition to support detoxification pathways in the body.
  • Neuroinflammation reduction – Utilizing lifestyle strategies to calm the brain’s immune response.

Functional medicine approach to chronic fatigue syndrome

3. A Holistic, Patient-Centered Approach

Unlike traditional medicine, functional medicine providers take the time to listen, analyze the full history, and develop an individualized plan. Lifestyle changes such as nutrition, sleep optimization, movement, and stress reduction play a central role in recovery.

The Missing Link: Functional Neurology

While functional medicine addresses many underlying causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, brain connectivity remains an overlooked factor. Functional neurology bridges this gap by:

  • Evaluating eye movements to detect neurological dysfunction by using videooculography.
  • Using balance testing to assess brain-body communication through computerized balance posturography.
  • Providing targeted exercises to restore brain function and energy regulation.

In our experience, when these test results are off you can take all the supplements in the world but it’s not going to yield great results. The brain uses 25% of the entire body’s energy supply and to get someone out of a state of chronic fatigue by ignoring brain dysfunction is very hard. 

For the best results, working with a provider who combines functional medicine and functional neurology can provide a more complete approach to healing.

Final Thoughts

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex, multi-system condition that requires more than symptom suppression. A chronic fatigue syndrome holistic treatment through functional medicine provides long-term results by addressing root causes: chronic infections, leaky gut, neurological dysfunction disorders, pathogens, and blood sugar imbalances.

If you’re struggling with fatigue and conventional care hasn’t helped, our team at Peak Brain and Body offers a patient-centered approach that looks at the bigger picture.

Contact Dr. Zimmerman for Functional Medicine in Wesley Chapel and take the first step toward recovery today.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for real answers to your chronic fatigue, reach out for a functional medicine consultation to start your path toward recovery today!

 

The Power of Vitamin D for Brain Health: What You Need to Know

Dr Zimmerman on February 24, 2025

The Power of Vitamin D for Brain Health: What You Need to Know

Vitamin D is routinely associated with bone health and sun exposure, but this sells the benefits of vitamin D far short of what it’s truly capable of. At Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel, our functional medicine experts want you to understand the role of vitamin D for brain fog, mental health, and neurological disorders.

Emerging research continues to link vitamin D levels to cognitive function, mental health, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In this article, we will explore the science behind vitamin D’s impact on brain function, mental health, and neurological disorders, as well as the best ways to maintain optimal levels for long-term well-being.

It’s important to understand that vitamin D is powerful, but if it’s used as a stand-alone treatment, then the results are limited. It works best when combined with other strategies like nutrition, cognitive exercises, and rehabilitation for stroke recovery.

A informative diagram showing the impact of Vitamin D on our brain and gut health with other factors.

Vitamin D Impact on Brain Health

Vitamin D and Mental Health: The Scientific Connection

A recent study found that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with improved physical function and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Adults with lower vitamin D levels exhibited more depressive symptoms, and individuals diagnosed with depression had significantly lower intake of vitamin D compared to those without depression.

Vitamin D has also been linked to conditions like anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. This highlights the importance of adequate vitamin D intake—through diet, supplementation, or sun exposure—for maintaining mental health and vitamin D balance.

How Does Vitamin D Affect Mood?

Vitamin D influences neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a key role in mood regulation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), common medications for depression, work to increase serotonin in the brain. However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors’ adverse effects can include weight gain, insomnia, and emotional blunting.

Research suggests that vitamin D may naturally enhance serotonin synthesis, offering a non-pharmaceutical approach to improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms. Unlike medications, vitamin D does not cause serotonin syndrome symptoms, a dangerous condition sometimes triggered by drug interactions.

Beyond serotonin, vitamin D helps regulate inflammatory cytokines, which are often elevated in mood disorders. This makes it a powerful tool for resilience, mental clarity, and brain health.

Vitamin D For Brain Fog and Overall Health

Cognitive decline is one of the biggest fears as people age. Millions live with mild cognitive impairment—often without realizing it. With dementia rates rising, researchers have been investigating how vitamin D influences brain health.

A study on aging rats showed that higher vitamin D levels enhanced hippocampal function, improving memory and learning. These findings support vitamin D’s role in preventing dementia and early symptoms of neurological disorders such as brain fog and memory loss.

Vitamin D and Alzheimer’s Disease

Research indicates that vitamin D may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by reducing amyloid-beta buildup in the brain. It also increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuron survival and improves brain plasticity. For those wondering about the stages of Alzheimer’s, vitamin D may slow progression in the earlier stages by protecting brain cells.

Vitamin D and Parkinson’s Disease

Vitamin D has shown promising neuroprotective effects in Parkinson’s disease. Adequate levels may reduce alpha-synuclein buildup, protect dopamine neurons, and help maintain motor function. Since Parkinson’s disease stages progress differently for everyone, vitamin D may play a supportive role in slowing decline.

Vitamin D and Stroke Recovery

Strokes are a leading cause of disability. Studies show vitamin D supports:

  • Reduced inflammation post-stroke

  • Neuron survival

  • Improved motor function

Optimizing vitamin D levels can improve recovery from stroke, making it an important part of long-term brain rehabilitation strategies.

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much is Enough?

Many individuals take vitamin D routinely because they’ve heard about the health benefits, but how do you know you are getting enough? This is why testing is essential. The definition of vitamin D deficiency varies among different health organizations, but general guidelines suggest:
  • Deficiency: Below 30 ng/mL
  • Insufficient: 30-50 ng/mL
  • Optimal: 50-75 ng/mL
My personal preference is if someone has immune issues including getting sick frequently, autoimmune disease, or neurodegeneration they should shoot to be on the higher end of 70-80 ng/mL. When we talk about these optimal ranges this is what many in functional medicine are shooting for as we understand traditional values are not meant for optimal health. In traditional medicine, individuals with low vitamin D levels are often prescribed a high-dose regimen, such as 50,000 IU once a week for a few months. Depending on the provider the levels will be rechecked or not, but it’s not something routinely done. It’s crucial to continue monitoring levels since temporary supplementation does not guarantee reaching an optimal level or long-term sufficiency. For ongoing maintenance, many experts recommend daily doses of 2,000-5,000 IU, depending on individual absorption rates, lifestyle factors, and geographic location. Once again, the ongoing dosing should be based off lab values because in our experience there isn’t an exact dose for every individual.

Can You Take Too Much Vitamin D?

Vitamin D toxicity is rare but can occur with extreme supplementation (e.g., 20,000+ IU per day for extended periods). Excess vitamin D leads to hypercalcemia, which can cause kidney stones, nausea, and other complications. This underscores the importance of regularly checking vitamin D levels to determine appropriate dosing.

Maximizing Vitamin D Absorption

1. Get Regular Sun Exposure

Your skin synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, making outdoor activity an excellent way to maintain healthy levels. Aim for 10-30 minutes of midday sun exposure on bare skin several times a week, depending on skin type and geographic location. Despite this recommendation, in our experience sun exposure is not enough on its own to get optimal vitamin D levels despite what many claim.

2. Eat Vitamin D-Rich Foods

While it’s difficult to get sufficient vitamin D from food alone, the following sources can help:
  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
  • Egg yolks
  • Beef liver
  • Fortified dairy and plant-based milks

3. Take a High-Quality Supplement

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the most effective supplement form. We prefer to use liquid or a liposomal form to facilitate absorption. There is some thought that pairing it with vitamin K2 may further enhance benefits, as K2 helps direct calcium to bones and away from arteries. In our experience even without K2, individuals are routinely able to achieve optimal vitamin D levels.

4. Monitor Your Levels

Regular blood testing ensures that you’re not deficient or exceeding safe levels. Individual needs vary, so personalized dosing is key. Initially checking levels every 3 months works best in our experience.

Final Thoughts: The Big Picture on Vitamin D and Brain Health

Vitamin D is more than a bone booster—it’s a powerful protector of brain health and mood. It plays a role in preventing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and supports functional neurological symptom disorder recovery strategies. While vitamin D alone is not a magic bullet, it plays a crucial role in a comprehensive brain health strategy. Pairing adequate vitamin D intake with a nutrient-rich diet, physical activity, and proper sleep can significantly impact cognitive function and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • Low vitamin D levels are linked to depression and cognitive decline. 
  • Vitamin D for brain health may help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 
  • Deficiency is common—regular testing and supplementation may be needed.
  • Sun exposure, diet, and supplements can help maintain optimal levels.
  • If you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, consider getting tested and working with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized strategy for optimal brain health.
  • Here is a video that we did on this topic: Vitamin D Impact on Brain Fog and Health
How to increase serotonin naturally?

You can increase serotonin through regular exercise, exposure to sunlight, a healthy diet rich in tryptophan (like eggs, salmon, nuts), meditation, and quality sleep. In some cases, supplements or prescribed medications may also help.

Serotonin syndrome can be triggered by certain antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs), migraine medications (triptans), opioids, and even herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort when combined inappropriately.

Common signs include fatigue:

  • Low mood
  • Bone pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Frequent illness
  • Slow wound healing
  • Hair loss
  • Back pain
  • Depression
  • Poor immunity
  • Weight gain
  • Brain fog
  • Sleep issues
  • Brittle bones.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory and cognitive skills. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, characterized by progressive brain cell damage affecting memory and thinking.

Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, cerebellar disorders, vestibular disorders, and peripheral neuropathy can all lead to balance issues.

SSRIs are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and sometimes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Causes Dizziness

Dr Zimmerman on February 20, 2025

What Causes Dizziness: Causes, Types, and How to Get Relief

Dizziness is a common yet frustrating symptom that can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to function at work, engage in activities, and even complete simple tasks. Many are trying to find out what causes dizziness and Dr. Zimmerman at Peak Brain and Body in Wesley Chapel, Tampa area, have helped many complex dizziness cases using an integrative medicine approach that combines both functional medicine and functional neurology.

Many people struggle for months or even years to get answers because they don’t know where to look or what questions to ask. If that sounds like you, keep reading—we’re going to break down everything you need to know about dizziness, its causes, and how you can take steps toward recovery. This is going to help you understand why some people do well with one treatment, but others don’t respond at all. Individuals can have predictable results, but knowing what you’re looking at is the first step. 

What is Dizziness?

Dizziness is a broad term that can mean different things to different people. Some describe it as feeling lightheaded, off-balance, or like the world is shifting around them. Others experience a sensation of spinning, known as vertigo. Understanding the difference is critical because using the wrong terminology could lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.

  • Vertigo: A rotational sensation where either you feel like you are spinning, or the world around you is spinning.
  • Dizziness: A general feeling of unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or imbalance without a spinning sensation.

The distinction matters because the underlying causes and treatment approaches vary based on the type of dizziness you’re experiencing. Unfortunately many providers will not ask their patients to specify exactly what they mean and this can lead to a lot of frustration. 

The 5 Key Causes of Dizziness

In this section we are going to discuss in detail what causes dizziness and set a framework for finding answers. Dizziness is a brain-based issue, meaning that if your brain isn’t processing signals correctly, you’re going to feel off balance. There are many reasons why the brain may not process signals correctly, but here are the five categories that cause dizziness:

What causes dizziness

1. Inflammation

Inflammation in the brain or the body can impact your nervous system, leading to dizziness. When you have inflammation it can disrupt how well the brain is connecting. Common sources include:

  • Food sensitivities: Gluten, dairy, and ultra-processed foods can cause systemic inflammation.
  • Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, including mold exposure, can contribute to dizziness.
  • Allergies: Seasonal allergies can create congestion in the eustachian tubes, impacting balance and stability.

2. Metabolic Issues

Your body’s metabolic processes directly affect how well your brain functions. When you hear the term metabolic, think about how efficient something is. For example, an efficient car gets great mileage. An efficient brain and body produces and uses energy extremely well. Key metabolic causes of dizziness include:

  • Anemia: Low iron levels reduce oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to dizziness. A complete iron panel (including ferritin and iron saturation) is essential for proper diagnosis. Many will only have a CBC and told things are normal, but this will miss many individuals who have iron deficiency.
  • Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can contribute to dizziness. Proper thyroid testing should include TSH, T4, T3, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies.
  • Blood Sugar Imbalances: Both high and low blood sugar levels can cause dizziness. Symptoms of dysregulated blood sugar include energy crashes after meals or sudden surges in energy.

3. Musculoskeletal Issues

Your neck and spinal alignment play a significant role in balance. Dysfunction in these areas can cause dizziness due to poor communication between the cervical spine and the brain. 

  • Cervical Spine Dysfunction: Poor posture, injuries, or surgeries in the neck can lead to dizziness.
  • Muscle Imbalances: If the muscles around your neck send incorrect signals to your brain, it can create instability as it creates confusion within the brain. 

For some of these individuals they do well with Chiropractic or Physical Therapy, but others will be made worse.

4. Vascular Issues

Proper blood flow is critical for brain function. When blood flow is disrupted, dizziness can occur.

  • Blood Pressure: If blood pressure goes too high or low then dizziness is a common symptom.
  • Dehydration: A lack of fluids can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
  • Circulatory Problems: Conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels can impair blood flow to the brain, leading to dizziness.

5. Neurological Causes

Dizziness is ultimately a neurological issue, meaning that problems within the nervous system can be a major cause.

  • Dysautonomia/POTS: A condition where the autonomic nervous system fails to regulate blood pressure and heart rate properly, leading to dizziness upon standing.
  • Vestibular Dysfunction: The inner ear plays a crucial role in balance. If the vestibular system is impaired, dizziness and vertigo can result.
  • Concussions and Brain Injuries: Even mild concussions can lead to dizziness for months or years if left untreated.
  • Stroke & Multiple Sclerosis: More severe neurological conditions such as stroke and MS can impact balance and coordination.

As you are probably gathering by know, when someone wants to know what causes dizziness the answer isn’t black and white. Some individuals only have one of the components from above, but many others will have overlapping components that have to be addressed as a complete unit.

How to Get Relief from Dizziness

If you’re experiencing dizziness, the key to relief is identifying and addressing the root cause. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Get Proper Testing: Functional Medicine Labs in Wesley Chapel | Tampa FL

Most traditional doctors only check basic bloodwork, but you may need more comprehensive testing, including:

  • Iron panel (Ferritin, TIBC, Iron Saturation, Serum Iron)
  • Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Antibodies)
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • Inflammatory Markers (CRP, Homocysteine, ESR)
  • Functional Neurological Evaluation

A functional neurological evaluation for dizziness includes videooculography, computerized balance posturography, and a comprehensive physical examination that reveals what MRI and CT scans don’t. It’s why we see so many individuals finally get answers after they’ve been told nothing is wrong or the provider didn’t know what could be done.

2. Address Inflammation

  • Eliminate inflammatory foods (processed foods, gluten, dairy, excess sugar).
  • Reduce exposure to mold, allergens, and environmental toxins.
  • Consider anti-inflammatory supplements such as omega-3s and curcumin.

3. Support Your Metabolism

  • Ensure adequate iron, B vitamins, and thyroid support based off lab values.
  • Balance blood sugar by eating protein-rich, fiber-dense meals.
  • Stay hydrated with adequate electrolytes.

4. Improve Neck and Postural Health

  • Seek chiropractic care, physical therapy, or massage if musculoskeletal issues are contributing to dizziness. If this helps you, then fantastic and keep going. If it’s not helping you or makes you feel worse then know there is more to the story and a more in-depth evaluation and treatment is necessary.
  • Work on neck exercises and posture correction to optimize brain-body communication.

5. Strengthen Brain & Nervous System Function Utilizing Functional Neurology

  • Perform eye and vestibular exercises under professional guidance.
  • Targeted neurological therapy integrating cognition, hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and balance.
  • Avoid excessive caffeine or stimulants that could worsen symptoms.

Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Health

If you’ve been struggling with dizziness for months or even years without answers, it’s time to take a different approach. Many providers don’t receive the training necessary to diagnose and treat complex dizziness cases properly. That’s why knowing the right questions to ask and seeking the right type of care can make all the difference.

If you want to dive deeper into what’s causing your dizziness and get real solutions, consider working with a specialist trained in functional neurology and functional medicine. You don’t have to keep suffering—answers are available. We will help you identify what causes dizziness for you, because as we’ve covered there are many factors that contribute to dizziness and it’s not the same for everyone.

We help you uncover what other providers have missed. Request a Discovery Consult with our team today to see what’s possible.

 

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