Financial support for our Veterans and Active Duty Service Members is still available
Dr. Mark L. Gordon has been featured with
The Millennium Health Centers - Mental Health Program
The Triad of Mental Illness
In nearly 100% of the patients with traumatic brain injury, they complain of Fatigue, Insomnia, and Depression. In looking for the mechanism which causes this Triad, what we found was: Neuroinflammation causes the destruction of two very important enzymes that are responsible for the production of Serotonin and Melatonin; L-Tryptophan Hydroxylase and L-Tryptophan Decarboxylase. Without these enzymes we cannot make the natural anti-depression neurotransmitter Serotonin which then becomes Melatonin causing insomnia. Since the Tryptophan is not converting to these chemicals, Tryptophan builds up (Thanksgiving turkey effect) initially causing fatigue. Over time, metabolites of Tryptophan become neurotoxic; Headaches, Migraines, increase pain, and further depression.
Inflammation (Neuroinflammation)
Regardless of the actual cause of trauma - physical - emotional - chemical - the ultimate production of inflammatory chemicals (Cytokines, Chemokines) by neurons and glia cells in the brain, is the final common pathway. The longer these chemical are produced and in contact with your neurons, the greater is the destruction of cells and signaling pathways that allow us to function. What develops are changes in our psychological, physical, and physiological well-being. Reverse the inflammation and we change the outcome.
Brain Hormones (Neurosteroids)
The production of brain hormones (Neurosteroids) as well as all chemical of the brain are based upon a healthy environment promoting their production. When there is inflammation it is like trying to grow a tree in a cesspool, it ain't gonna happen. This is a Non-Neuro-Permissive Environment. Our treatment Protocol focuses on reducing inflammation in order to re-establishing a Neuro-Permissive Environment so that your brain can heal.