Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD / C-PTS)

– What Is PTSD? –

PTSD is classically viewed as a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Within the worldview and paradigm of clinical neurology, PTSD is an adaptive response to traumatic events which creates a heightened sensitivity of brain regions involved in producing the natural stress response. This is a great example of negative neuroplasticity, where the brain just got too efficient at detecting stress to the point where, even in harmless situations, a threat or danger is perceived.

Any psychological disorder at its core really a neurochemical issue, which is why most traditional treatments are aimed at neurotransmitter levels. We know from research that PTSD is not purely a neurochemical issue, but results in structural alterations as well. This would create a basis for it being considered a primary neurological disorder with psychological characteristics.

Unfortunately, the majority of individuals diagnosed with PTSD are sent to psychiatrists to be treated for anxiety, depression, and other emotional signs. This works for a few, but unfortunately, the majority have pervasive symptoms. Understanding how the brain structurally and functionally plays a role in the development and symptoms of PTSD offers much more promise for treatment.

– Signs and Symptoms –

PTSD patients often suffer from symptoms including anxiety, depression, and concentration difficulty. Symptoms of PTSD are the result of chemical changes in the brain caused by an increase in autonomic drive. Other symptoms commonly reported by PTSD patients include abnormal laughing and crying, aggression, impulsivity, irritability, fatigue, anger, anxiety, loneliness, nausea, persistent headache, depression, and post-traumatic seizure, and suicide.

– Why Are We Different? –

Here at Revive, we offer a variety of healthcare options to encompass an integrated medical approach to ensure long-term success. Much of our Veteran population suffers from hormone deficiencies, radiation/chemical exposures, adrenal fatigue, as well as an array of other complicating factors at play into PTS and are often times overlooked. We offer both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to treating patients with pain syndromes, metabolic disorders, depression and anxiety disorders, neurological disorders, and hormone disregulation. 

Many of our Veteran patients suffering from PTS have had undiagnosed TBI’s (traumatic brain injuries), so we see astonishing results by treating the neurological deficits, as well as the psychiatric and metabolic components to the disorder.

– Our Approach to PTSD –

Revive utilizes research-based diagnostics to evaluate function in specific areas of the brain. Looking at eye movements, motor function, sensory function, cranial nerves, cognitive function, balance, and gait allows us to better understand which areas have been affected by the PTSD and combat-related TBI. This allows us to develop a treatment plan that targets those regions and networks to make them stronger and more efficient, reducing PTS symptoms drastically.

We offer a unique process that is built to maximize results in a condensed period of time. To reach your personal healthcare goals, it is imperative that your physicians and care providers know your individual story and desires. Your individual goals are the focal point of the comprehensive treatment plan which is based off your exam, diagnostics, and lab results.

Beyond the neurological system, there are many factors that can impact the presentation of PTSD: the immune system, diet, sleep, mindset and stress (to list a few). By integrating knowledge of the brain and influence of these factors, we are able to be very specific with targeted therapies which create lasting neurological changes.

Your treatment plan is designed specifically for you and your brain’s needs. This plan is executed over 10 days. Patients see measurable improvement during their time in our office and continue to make gains once they leave. To help ensure success on your journey of healing, we create and define a plan for you when you go home. This plan may include sourcing a local specialist for a safe and effective continuum of care. Our goal is to see each patient continue to build upon the initial results they achieved in our office.

What Our PTSD Patients Are Saying