Measuring Neurotransmitter Levels: A Case Study

Introduction: Subject one was a 60-year-old Caucasian female whose chief complaints included always feeling tired and never feeling rested. Subject 1 presented with postural imbalances and lines of tension noted on her assessments.

In this case study (1 of 20), we examine the impact of Dynamic Brain Healing Protocols on Subject 1, who exhibited a range of physiological and cognitive symptoms. These include stiffness, hip and neck pain, a sensation of heaviness, impaired concentration, memory loss, persistent fatigue, and disturbed sleep.

After two treatments, Subject 1 (aged 60-years) showed notable improvement in the mentioned symptoms and a significant enhancement in neurotransmitter levels.

The symptoms analyzed for this case study include:

  • Stiffness
  • Hip pain
  • Feeling heavy
  • Neck pain
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Social anxiety
  • Difficulty remembering
  • Fatigue
  • Don’t feel right
  • Falling asleep
  • Wake-up rested
  • Headache
  • Light sensitivity
  • Sound sensitivity

We used measurements from the baseline test (the first test) and the after-treatment Brain Health Assessment and Symptom Inventory to determine the efficacy of two Dynamic Brain Healing treatments on neurotransmitter levels in Subject 1. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin play crucial roles in regulating mood, attention, and overall cognitive functions.

Patient Selection for the Study of Persistent Concussion Symptoms

Background:
Concussion, a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), commonly results from a direct blow to the head, neck, or body that leads to the rapid movement of the brain within the skull. While most individuals recover from the initial symptoms of a concussion within a few weeks, some continue to experience persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) that can last for months or even years.

Objective:
The primary aim of this case study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Dynamic Brain Healing Protocol Level 1.

Methods:
Selection Criteria:
Practitioners were tasked with selecting patients based on the following criteria:

  1. Diagnosis of Concussion: All participants had self-reported or clinically diagnosed concussion
  2. Duration of Symptoms: Patients must have exhibited ongoing persistent symptoms for a duration of at least six-months post-injury, ensuring that they were beyond the typical recovery window.
  3. Nature of Symptoms: The persistent symptoms should include but are not limited to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive disturbances, sensitivity to light or sound, and mood disturbances.
  4. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with no persistent symptoms.

 

Results:
Based on the criteria, each practitioner selected two clients. This is one case study of 20 that will be presented in a group case study with statistical analysis.

Demographics were not inclusive of any particular group, race, or sex.

Subject 1 underwent two Dynamic Brain Healing treatments consisting of 7 protocols (5 minutes on each protocol) within a span of one month.

Measurement Tools: To ascertain the efficacy of these protocols, quantitative tools were employed:

  1. Self-Reported Brain Health Assessment: This instrument is distinguished by its meticulous design; each question directly correlates to a particular neurotransmitter ensuring precision in feedback on potential imbalances.
  2. Symptom Inventory: Utilizing the Department of Defense pain scale model 0 – 10, this inventory renders a measure of discomfort/pain by assessing both intensity and characteristics of the pain.
  3. Baseline Test vs. Post-Treatment Test: The preliminary assessment provides a foundational snapshot, detailing the patient’s status before the intervention. A subsequent test post-intervention identifies any marked changes, charting the potential impact of the treatment.

 

With this methodology, the study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Dynamic Brain Healing Level 1 system, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of both subjective and objective improvements in brain health and overall patient well-being. 

Treatment Procedure

The Dynamic Brain Healing System, developed by Simone Fortier and The Fascia Training Institute, is a proprietary, copyrighted, and trademarked therapeutic approach developed to address various bodily dysfunctions and promote recovery of persistent concussion symptoms and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) symptoms. This unique system utilizes seven distinctive protocols to target physiological restrictions around the cranium and cervical spine.

Detailed descriptions of these protocols are as follows:

  1. Protocol 1 (Duration: 5 minutes)
  • Purpose of Technique: To release fascial restrictions along the spine, dural tube, and spinal cord, restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and lymphatic fluid – a process hindered if C2 is fascially restricted, and shift the body from a fight or flight response to a more relaxed state.
  • Influenced Structures:
    • Brain: Cerebellum, Dura Mater
    • Fascia: Deep cervical fascia, Ligamentum nuchae
    • Nerve: Influences a wide range of areas from the spinal column to the fingers
    • Meridian: Acupuncture point for migraines, headaches, myopia, infraorbital neuralgia
    • Muscle: Rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, and others.
    • Bone: Occiput to C7
    • Lymphatic Vessels: Superficial and inferior deep lymph nodes.
  1. Protocol 2 (Duration: 5 minutes)
  • Purpose: To create space in the cranium.
  • Influenced Structures:
    • Brain: Frontal, temporal lobe, and others
    • Fascia: Temporal fascia
    • Nerve: Facial, zygomatic, and trigeminal nerves
    • Meridian/Acupuncture points: Kidney, adrenal gland, and others
    • Muscle: Frontalis muscle, nasalis, and others
    • Bone: Sphenoid, mandible, and others
    • Lymphatic Vessels: Nasal, oral, frontal lymph, etc.
  1. Protocol 3 (Duration: 5 minutes)
  • Purpose: Influence Vagal and Phrenic Nerves
  • Influenced Structures:
    • Brain: Medulla Oblongata
    • Fascia: Fascia of the abdominal viscera and others
    • Nerve: Phrenic, Vagal
    • Muscle: Rectus abdominus, serratus anterior, and others
    • Acupuncture points: Connection of all 14 meridians
    • Bone: Rib cage, thoracic and lumbar spine
    • Lymphatic Vessels: Draining fluid from the peritoneal cavity

Protocol 4 (Duration: 5 minutes)

Purpose: Influence aponeurosis over the cranium to influence the auditory system

Structures Influenced:

  • Brain: Temporal lobe, auditory cortex, corpus callosum, brain stem, and more
  • Fascia: Annular mater, denticulate ligament, ligaments of the malleus, and more
  • Nerve: The 8th cranial nerve, the vestibulocochlear nerve
  • Muscle: Various muscles connected to the ear and jaw
  • Meridian: All acupuncture points
  • Bone: Temporal bone and structures it articulates with
  • Lymphatic Vessels: Inner and external ear draining pathways

Protocol 5 (Duration: 5 minutes)

Purpose: Reduce load on the visual system and light sensitivity

Structures Influenced:

  • Brain: Various regions responsible for vision and eye movement
  • Fascia: Capsule of Tenon and related eye structures
  • Nerve: Four cranial nerves
  • Muscle: Muscles controlling eye movement
  • Meridian: Acupuncture points related to vision and other conditions
  • Bone: Bones forming the eye socket
  • Lymphatic Vessels: Vessels around the eye

Protocol 6 (Duration: 5 minutes)

Purpose: To optimize cranial nerve function and improve interhemispheric integration.

Structures Influenced:

  • Brain: Medial longitudinal fasciculus, cranial nerve nuclei, insular cortex, and basal ganglia
  • Fascia: Cranial base fascia, fascia of the cranial nerves
  • Nerve: Multiple cranial nerves, especially those involved in sensory input and facial movements
  • Meridian/Acupuncture points: Points related to facial function, sensation, and balance
  • Muscle: Muscles of facial expression, those controlled by the cranial nerves
  • Bone: Ethmoid, occiput, and associated cranial bones
  • Lymphatic Vessels: Those draining the brain and facial regions

Protocol 7 (Duration: 5 minutes)

Purpose: To balance the body’s energy systems and enhance cerebral blood flow.

Structures Influenced:

  • Brain: Limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus, and associated structures for hormonal balance and emotional regulation
  • Fascia: Perivascular fascia, fascia associated with pineal and pituitary glands
  • Nerve: Cranial nerves associated with sensation, parasympathetic nervous system
  • Meridian/Acupuncture points: Points influencing the body’s energy meridians and circadian rhythms
  • Muscle: Deep intrinsic muscles of the cranium and neck
  • Bone: Frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and more
  • Lymphatic Vessels: Vessels associated with the brain’s glymphatic system and draining cerebral structures

When applied in succession, these protocols provide comprehensive treatment covering various aspects of brain function and physiology. Each of these protocols was administered following the stipulated timeframes, ensuring that the aims of each were met to gauge their effectiveness and impact.

The application and results of each protocol were observed and recorded for further analysis.

Each protocol involves specific manipulations and procedures, which are administered based on the patient’s individual presentation and requirements. The protocols are designed to be comprehensive and holistic, ensuring that multiple body systems are addressed and integrated during treatment.

Results:

The Brain Health Assessment measures neurotransmitter levels before (baseline) and after the treatment. The percent improvement in each neurotransmitter was calculated based on these measurements.

  • Dopamine: Experienced a 37% improvement
  • Acetylcholine: Showed a 24% improvement
  • GABA: Recorded an 11% improvement
  • Serotonin: Noticed a 22% improvement

Symptom Inventory:  15 Symptoms

Treatment 1Treatment 2Percentage Improvement
Stiffness7442.86%
Hip Pain8450.00%
Feeling Heavy7442.86%
Neck Pain3233.33%
Difficulty Concentrating10640.00%
Social Anxiety8537.50%
Difficulty Remembering10730.00%
Fatigue10820.00%
Don’t Feel Right9712.50%
Falling Asleep10820.00%
Wake up Rested8625.00%
Headache00
Light Sensitivity2150.00%
Noise Sensitivity00

 

Discussion:

The significant improvement in dopamine (37%) suggests enhanced mood and motivation levels in the subject. This neurotransmitter is crucial for reward and pleasure mechanisms in the brain, playing a role in combating depressive states and low energy.

A 24% increase in acetylcholine levels implies better cognitive function, learning, and memory processes as it is integral in transmitting signals between nerve cells.

Though modest, the 11% improvement in GABA levels is crucial for regulating anxiety promoting calmness and relaxation. Improved GABA levels are typically associated with better stress management and quality of sleep.

Finally, a 22% improvement in serotonin levels indicates improved mood and emotional stability. Serotonin is essential for maintaining mood balance, and its deficit often leads to depression.

The Dynamic Brain Healing Protocols

Treatment Outcome:

Subject 1 underwent two sessions of Dynamic Brain Healing treatments within a month, yielding remarkable outcomes:

  • Physiological Improvements: Subject 1 reported decreased stiffness, hip and neck pain, and a feeling of heaviness. This relief in symptoms significantly enhanced her overall sense of well-being.
  • Cognitive Enhancements: Positive changes were observed in Subject 1’s cognitive functions. She experienced improvements in concentration and memory, reporting a clearer mental state and a sharper focus in her daily activities.
  • Emotional and Psychological Benefits: Subject 1 noted a decline in feelings of fatigue and general malaise. Furthermore, her sleep quality improved, improving her emotional and psychological stability.
  • Neurotransmitter Levels: Following the treatment sessions, there was a significant improvement in Subject 1’s neurotransmitter levels, which is indicative of enhanced neural activity and function.

Conclusion:

Subject 1 case presents a compelling narrative of recovery and improvement following applying the Dynamic Brain Healing Protocols. These protocols appear to ameliorate physiological and cognitive symptoms, improving the quality of life for the patient involved.

Nevertheless, further scientific inquiry is necessary. Twenty case studies will be analyzed to further validate and establish the treatment’s efficacy and mechanism conclusively.

While the Subject 1 case suggests promising potential for the Dynamic Brain Healing Protocols, it is crucial to approach these findings with cautious optimism. The observed improvements in both physiological and cognitive symptoms point towards the efficacy of the treatment, yet these findings are preliminary. More case studies are necessary to support these findings.