In the United States alone, the National Institute of Health ( www.nih.gov ) estimates that close to 1.4 million people are affected each year with Traumatic Brain Injury.  Traumatic Brain Injury is defined as a blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury that disrupts function of the brain. The severity of such an injury may range from "mild" i.e. a brief change in mental status or consciousness to "severe", i.e. an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. Of those 1.4 million TBI incidents per year, 1.1 million are the classic concussions that are medically evaluated and then sent home to watch, rest, and recover. 

Now add the millions who never seek medical attention after sustaining a mild to moderate concussion, and the statistics of accident victims who don't actually hit their head, but sustain what are called acceleration-deceleration injuries like whiplash, spinal traumas, or hits to the body that result in the brain "hitting" the skull, and the head trauma numbers become staggering.

Populations that are most affected by head trauma and TBI are:

1) Men:  They participate in contact/impact sports, have higher rates of assaults, and tend to work "higher" risk jobs. 

2) Children between the ages of 0-4: think of your average toddler learning to walk, jumping off the coffee table, falling down the stairs, and being at the mercy of older siblings and adults.

3) Teenagers between 15-19.

4) Military: combat personnel are exposed to mortar attacks and "brain rattling" booms that alter brain function. There are thousands of veterans returning from duty in Afghanistan and Iraq who look normal and never sustained a penetrating head wound, but have brains that are damaged.

Even "minor" hits on a repetitive basis can cause biochemical and structural brain change, relating to many long term symptoms and diagnoses such as ADHD, Depression, Migraine, Fibromyalgia, OCD/Anxiety, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's Dementia. A recent study commissioned by the National Football League (NFL) reports that Alzheimer's disease or similar memory-related diseases appear to have been diagnosed in the league's former players vastly more often than in the national population - including a rate of 19 times the normal rate for men ages 30 through 49. 

Increased scrutiny of head trauma and how to prevent it is a hot topic of discussion in the medical world today. Treatment options however remain minimal and consist of watch and wait, medications such as anti-seizure, anti-depressant, narcotics, and possible behavioral therapy.  Structural integrity and nutrient imbalances experienced by the brain after trauma are important to address.

 NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR), a structural therapy that addresses cranial shape, cerebral spinal fluid dynamics, and connective tissue tensions throughout the skull and muscular system can help treat the symptoms of head trauma.  NCR can restore balance, decrease or eliminate symptoms of headaches, pain, mental imbalance, and improve blood flow. It is only minimally invasive, requires no drugs, no anesthesia, and most patients walk out feeling better than when they arrived.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT), of which we offer in our clinic,  has also shown results in helping diminish symptoms of head trauma.  Headaches are a common symptom of head trauma, PEMFT has been shown to decrease  headache pain and intensity.  

"In the active-treatment group, all assessed criteria were significantly improved at the end of the migraine/headache study. 76% of active-treatment patients experienced clear or very clear relief of their complaints. Only 1 placebo-patient (2.5%) felt some relief; 8% noted slight and 2% reported significant worsening of symptoms. No side effects were noted. " Advances in Therapy   PMID: 11571822

Addressing the biochemical imbalances with drugs, nutrients, and hormones, can also help improve recovery outcomes. NCR and PEMFT, when used in conjunction with a biochemical protocol, can have amazing outcomes for those suffering from the short and long term effects of head trauma. 

Quality of life is important to everyone, so if you or someone you love is living with lasting effects of Traumatic Brain Injury or head trauma, seek out all your options.  In the meantime, wear your helmet, your seat belt, and avoid activities that involve hitting your head- your BODY and BRAIN with thank you.

 Dr Hillary 

The Basics Of Head Trauma & NCR

About This Video:

Dr. Hillary gives a simple 6 minute introduction to the basics of how to treat the effects of head trauma with NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR). She covers the three classes of concussion, the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI), who is most at risk for TBI (men, children and teens, athletes, and military personnel) and why, statistics about TBI, common treatments, and why NCR improves the fluid dynamics in the head and neck to improve the neurological function of the body.

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The Basics Of Head Trauma & NCR

Sleep apnea is a common disorder suffered by millions of Americans.  During sleep the brain is deprived of oxygen, making it literally impossible for the person to get into deep REM sleep.  This can create severe fatigue, irritability, heart problems, and overall poor daily function.  The common treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP, a breathing device that is worn at night, forcing air down the throat so the person is not deprived of oxygen and can sleep.

 Many of the patients we treat for sleep apnea have little or no ability to breath through their nose, so when wearing the CPAP, most feel as if they are suffocating, leading to poor compliance.  Being able to breath through the nose is NOT overrated- think back on when you've had a horrible cold and had nasal congestion- it's fatiguing, irritating, and hard to focus.

Timothy, a 14-year-old boy, was referred to our office for a sleep apnea diagnosis and an asymmetrical facial growth that was affecting his speech and bite.  Not wanting to use the CPAP, and wanting to avoid facial surgery, Timothy's mother brought him to us first.

Timothy had experienced breathing difficulty through his nose for most of his life.  At birth he suffered oxygen deprivation, which caused some brain damage.  At the age of 14 he has a 3^rd grade reading level and is home schooled, due to auditory difficulties.  Besides the sleep apnea diagnosis, poor nasal breathing (history of sinus surgery that did help him breathe some), his doctor had diagnosed that his maxilla (cheekbones) were not growing at the same rate as his mandible (jaw bone), and they wanted to do surgery to correct his this. He had just finished 5 years of vision therapy and sensory integration training- these are meant to help him use his senses together.  For many "low functioning" children integrating all their senses together is very hard, they must focus on one thing at a time. 

He complains of severe fatigue in the morning, brain fog, severe difficulty focusing on homework, low attention span, (all of which are symptoms of sleep apnea and sensory integration disorders), and Restless Leg Syndrome, (of which he had recently increased his medication due to increasing tolerance).

Timothy on first impression was a tall lanky, teenager with braces. He was very respectful and talkative, but did not make direct eye contact, was visibly fatigued, fidgety during intake and exam, and became easily irritated with his mother if she talked too much. He also exhibited tongue thrust (his tongue didn't fit in his mouth), decreased nasal breathing, and poor standing posture.  

He cooperated tremendously however, and we were able to give him his first NCR treatment.  On returning the second day, Timothy seemed calmer, even falling asleep on the table.  His mother noted his "snoring" seemed less, and he was better able focus on his homework. Timothy told me he could breathe through his nose and had more energy on waking.  After the second day of treatment, his mother stated he had no Restless Leg Syndrome for the last two nights without medication. 

After the full 4-day session, Timothy exhibited increased focus, energy, and seemed to be more aware of me, and his surroundings.  His maxilla and mandible had changed significantly, and he noted it felt like his tongue fit in his mouth, and his signs of sleep apnea were greatly decreased. His Restless Leg Syndrome had all but disappeared (along with the need for medication) and he was more stable and balanced in his standing posture.   

The greatest change however, came from his mother.  She stated that for the FIRST time in recent memory, even after 5 years of vision therapy, he was looking her in the eye when he talked to her.  Not only that, he was interacting with improved confidence in social situations. This was a defining moment for Timothy and his family.  Having a child with sensory deprivation suddenly become aware of his surroundings, and look into your eyes is something you will never forget. 

Timothy's case is a perfect example of STRUCTURE AFFECTING FUNCTION, his brain needed more room, and with improved structural alignment, his overall sensory integration naturally improved. With the addition of dietary modifications and nutrient therapy, NCR has greatly changed the future for Timothy. As a doctor who knows the power of NCR, cases like Lorne's never stop amazing me.  I have much to learn from all my patients, especially the children, it's been a great pleasure working with Timothy and his family! 

*this case review was shared with permission of Timothy's parents, and names have been changed to protect the patient.

Hello 2011, goodbye 2010! Now that I'm a mom, I gauge how fast my life is going by how fast my daughter is growing. This last weekend we celebrated her 2nd birthday, and I'm not quite sure where those two years went!

It's an exciting time for me and my naturopathic practice, so I wanted to share some of the new events that are shaping my life and business for 2011! As you can see, we have a new website! It's beautiful and relevant, and I'm excited about using this as a stage to promote what our clinic has to offer. Don't miss the Facebook page for our clinic, and yes, it seems that I will be tweeting, so follow me on Twitter and I'll do my best to share the newest health related topics! Notice my new column in each newsletter "DeStress is Best", as I share common, and not so common ways, to relieve stress and boost your brainpower and energy.

As always, my first love is NeuroCranial Restructuring. I can't spread the word enough about this amazing treatment that you may have experienced yourself! My favorite medium for sharing NCR is through presentations; sometimes the smallest of venues is the best. Recently, I did a presentation at Evolution Fitness in Redmond, WA, and I am scheduled to present March 2 at Beyond Medicine in Olympia, WA. If you want to share this with your friends and family, and would enjoy a presentation in your area, I'd be more than happy to set up a day and time!

My newest business promotion stems from my own story of the last year. After two years of being a new mom and running a practice in two states, my own health took a hit. In September my daughter brought home a cold from day care, which turned into walking pneumonia for me. I suppose after years of being run down (medical school, practice, mommy hood), this is what it took for me to stop making excuses and start making healthier decisions.

My close personal friend Nathan Detracy is the owner of Evolution Fitness (evolutionbellevue.com) in Bellevue, WA and he is a professional bodybuilder who has trained some of the biggest names in the local sport. He is not only an amazing "all natural" athlete; he's a successful entrepreneur with a heart of gold! He challenged me to do his program, and  I have transformed my health to say the least.

The overall program is called EVOLVE and consists of an exercise, diet, and supplemental program. EVOLVE isn't just about losing weight, or gaining muscle. It's about transforming your body into a metabolic powerhouse and ramping up your immune system, no matter your age, gender, or circumstance! I realized this is what I wanted to offer to patients, a way to really change their physical body, biochemistry, and mental outlook! NCR addresses so many areas, but with EVOLVE it's like adding the pieces of the puzzle that were missing!

Starting with an office, phone, or Skype (new!) visit, we can get you on your way to feeling amazing just like I have. It's taken accountability, focus, and determination on my side, but the results have been short of incredible, and I no longer use the excuses to stop my health recovery! If this sounds like something you could benefit from, visit my Naturopathic services page to see how we can help you EVOLVE! Stay tuned for future success stories in our new testimonials section.

My business stays alive by the generous referrals that many of you have sent me over the years, and I am grateful for your continued support! Please remember, for every new NCR patient you refer, I will give you $50 towards your next NCR session or Naturopathic appointment! Referring them to our website will also help your odds of getting that $50, as I know they will enjoy the wealth of information!

I leave you with a picture of me with Dr Mehmet Oz MD - a very strong proponent of alternative therapies, diet, exercise, and Naturopathic medicine. I had the great fortune to meet him this last summer where he was awarded an honorary Naturopathic degree along with his wife Lisa, from my alma mater Bastyr University. He's as kind and personable in "real" life as on TV, and it was amazing to meet such an inspiration in my field!

I look forward to helping you with your goals in 2011!

Health is Wealth -
Dr Hillary

So what better way to show how NCR is beneficial than through the words of the patient?

Shana came to me with the complaint of chronic sinusitis, or just a inability to breathe through her nose. She had been to many doctors, and was eventually referred to me by another patient who is one of her providers. I must say Shana has impressed me with her dedication to the NCR series, having done 3 sessions in the last 10 months, each time we continue to unravel her structural story. She is an amazing woman, and I must say, she is getting more beautiful inside and out with each NCR session. Thanks Shana, I hope that your story helps others improve their lives through NCR!

(Shana has given her permission for public use of her pictures and testimonial)

Shana, Before Any NCR

Shana, After Her Third NCR Session. Wow!!

"I originally came to see Dr. Lampers because I was unable to breath through my nose. I had exhausted all healing possibilities with the exception of surgery when I was referred to Dr. Hillary. The results were life changing. I immediately was able to breathe through one nostril which was such a gift after years of not being able to breathe through either nostril. In addition, I felt like the best version of myself. I felt happier, calmer, more at peace.

I continued with a second treatment because I got such relief and healing from the first one. After the second treatment I was able to breath through BOTH nostrils!! I almost cried from happiness of feeling breath through my nose! I also could smell for the first time in three years! Everything smelled so incredible... even my daughter’s dirty diapers!

Physically, however, is where I was able to see the results. My face was softer, prettier even. Gone was what my daughter called “Mean Mommy”; the clenched jaw and slanted eyebrows. My bite changed. My gait changed. I began to grow taller at 37! The scoliosis I had suffered from for over 20 years was unwinding!

I have had three treatments with Dr. Hillary and couldn’t be happier with the results. My original goal of breathing through my nose: met. That was enough. As a bonus, however, I have grown one whole inch (yeah!), my posture is AMAZING (I love my butt and my tummy pooch is gone) and I look 10 years younger!

The results from NCR encompass comprehensive healing of the entire body. I not only feel amazing but I can see the results every time I look in the mirror. Thank you so much Dr. Hillary!!!"

WHAT AN HONOR IT IS FOR ME TO HELP FACILITATE THESE CHANGES! THANKS AGAIN, SHANA!

Photo Gallery

My first child was born in January and since then my life has been in fast forward. Almost every minute of the day is filled with new experiences for her, and at the same time everyday bodily functions such as eating, sleeping, peeing, pooping, touching, and feeling become exciting and new for a grown up adult such as myself. Watching her discover her world around her, increasing her coordination and being able to hold a toy, laughing for almost no reason, and giving unconditional love to me and her father, has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. This world is so new for her, and I can see her brain absorbing all her new surroundings like a sponge.

 In April, I took my daughter to Colorado to see my paternal grandparents who are living in an assisted living home. Married over 60 years, these two were instrumental in my life and have given me immense lessons in love and family. My grandfather was a survivor of Polio, left with a slightly deformed foot, but not willing to accept being held back by such a "disability". He went on to be a successful baseball player, coach, teacher, and principle of a high school. My grandmother was a homemaker, raising three children, and was a talented musician and worked for many years with a school for the deaf. My grandmother began having tremors many years ago, and eventually was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. My grandfather's mother died of Alzheimers Disease when I was twelve, and now he has been diagnosed with beginning stage Alzheimers.( His sister also had some Alzheimers).

They are interesting to watch together now, my grandmother is mentally strong, but her body is slowing failing, while my grandfather looks the same as he always did, but he tells the same story over and over again and has a hard time discerning who is in the pictures hanging on his wall. It is hard to see them this way, but as they move into their mid 80's, seeing their world become simple as my daughters life becomes complex has turned on something in me that makes me want to preserve my brain as long as I can. After medical school, I had a series of blood tests on me as I hadn't been feeling well for years, most likely due to stress. One of the many things that was found, was that I was deficient in CoQ10 and some essential amino acids essential for dopamine (a neurotransmitter) production. I was told at that point that I was setting myself up for Parkinson's Disease, and since I may have a genetic predispositon to this, it was ESSENTIAL for me to address these deficiencies.

So where am I going with this long story you ask? I guess it's in witnessing life beginning and life ending, and how the brain can be as it's healthiest. Did my grandmother have the same genetic marker for deficiency and could she have prevented her Parkinsons? Was my grandfather genetically low in acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) and thus inheritied Alzheimers from his mother?

Neurology has always been my greatest interest, and so I want to continue my research into the chemicals and personality that we all possess when we are born, and how our environment and choices through out life either enhance or inhibit health. I have family history of neurological disease, and I must be PROACTIVE in my brain health, so that my daughter or grandchildren never have to worry about me or themselves. This is why I have to figure out my brain... and if you relate to this story, I can help you understand yours.

Stay tuned to this blog each day for the simplified learning of the biochemicals that make up your nervous system! As always I look forward to your comments!