#85 Brain Health Beyond Movement: Pain, Balance, and Neurological Recovery
In this episode of It Happened To Me, we continue our conversation with Dr. David Traster, a clinical neurologist and educator who works with patients experiencing complex neurological conditions.
In Part 1, Dr. Traster introduced clinical neurology, shared his personal experience with chronic illness and delayed diagnosis, and explained how neuroplasticity can help the brain adapt and recover. In Part 2, the conversation expands into how the nervous system affects far more than movement, including pain, digestion, heart rate, fatigue, balance, vision, and everyday functioning.
Dr. Traster explains how different areas of the brain and nervous system influence the body, and why neurological symptoms do not always appear clearly on imaging or lab results. He discusses how patients can feel dismissed when their symptoms are real but difficult to measure, and offers practical insight into how people can advocate for themselves while seeking a diagnosis and appropriate care.
Cathy and Dr. Traster also explore the connection between balance, vision, the inner ear, and spatial orientation. Using clear examples, Dr. Traster explains how the brain integrates information from the eyes, body, and vestibular system, and how dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, or imbalance can occur when those systems are not communicating properly.
The episode also looks at neurological recovery across the lifespan. Dr. Traster emphasizes that people are never “too old” or “too sick” to improve brain function, although each person’s recovery depends on their condition, limitations, and consistency. He explains the importance of repetition and targeted exercise in strengthening brain pathways, and why practice can help make functional improvements more lasting.
This conversation closes with a hopeful look at the future of neurological recovery, including the role of technology, AI, advanced imaging, and new tools that may help us better understand and support the brain.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
How the nervous system affects pain, digestion, heart rate, fatigue, and emotions
Why some neurological symptoms do not show up on MRIs, CT scans, or lab work
The challenges patients face when symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood
How to advocate for yourself when something feels wrong
Why diagnosis matters before treatment can be effective
How balance, vision, the inner ear, and body awareness work together
What can cause dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, and imbalance
How people with vision loss or visual limitations can strengthen other systems
Why neurological recovery is possible at every age
How exercise, nutrition, social connection, and learning support brain health
The role of repetition and targeted exercises in retraining the nervous system
Common misconceptions about the brain’s ability to heal
Why technology may transform the future of neurological care
About Dr. David Traster
Dr. David Traster is a clinical neurologist and educator with nearly two decades of experience working with patients experiencing complex neurological conditions. His background as an athlete and personal trainer, along with his own experience navigating injury and chronic health challenges, shaped his approach to neurological recovery and rehabilitation.
Dr. Traster has advanced training in concussion, dizziness and vertigo, movement disorders, autonomic nervous system conditions, and childhood developmental disorders. His work focuses on helping patients improve function through neurorehabilitation, targeted exercises, and individualized care.
Listen to Part 1
Listen to Part 1 of this conversation on Episode 85 of It Happened To Me to hear Dr. Traster explain clinical neurology, his own experience with delayed diagnosis and Lyme disease, concussion recovery, targeted brain rehabilitation, and neuroplasticity.
Connect With Us
Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.
“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.
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