Functional Neurology - Further Information

WHAT IS CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE AND FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY? WHO CAN IT HELP?


Clinical Neuroscience is the study of how the brain functions, and the development of applications or methods to treat brain dysfunction. Functional Neurology applies this knowledge to improve neurological function.

MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE BRAIN:

  • Receive sensory information from the body

  • Perceive those senses

  • Interpret that information, and

  • Respond appropriately, to interact with the world

Disruption in any of these functions can cause neurological dysfunction, which can impact quality of life. But Functional Neurology harnesses the amazing power and resiliency of neuroplasticity to improve quality of life. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to improve or repair its function by reorganizing and forming new neural connections.

This non-invasive, drug-free solution delivers effective options and results for unresolved clinical challenges such as concussion, movement disorders and neurodegenerative disorders.

Between 70 to 85% of patients diagnosed with a neurological disorder get better with traditional care.

What about the other 15-30%?

If you or someone you care for is looking for solutions, Functional Neurology is an option.

Patients are finding improved performance through this unique approach to neurological care.

FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY CAN DELIVER:

  • Accurate diagnosis

  • Precise therapy

  • Better outcomes

HOW FUNCTIONAL NEUROLGY IS DIFFERENT

First-line care focuses on diagnoses and symptom-related management. Treatment tools can include surgery or pharmaceuticals. For some people, surgery can resolve the problem. For others, pharmaceuticals can suppress or manage symptoms.

Functional Neurology is different. It focuses on improving the function of targeted pathways in the brain using specific exercises. It can repair damaged pathways or create new pathways to improve function of the nervous system.

HOW FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY WORKS

LOCALIZATION, RECOMMENDATION, STIMULATION

Improving neurological function is the goal of Functional Neurology. We strive to create an accurate diagnosis and deliver precise therapies to provide better outcomes.

Accurate Diagnosis: The goal of the diagnostic process is to pinpoint areas of dysfunction in order to accurately direct treatment. Through a combination of observation, physical examination and diagnostic testing, Functional Neurologists localize areas of the brain that are not functioning properly.

Non-invasive testing involves assessment of sensory systems, in addition to eye movements, balance, gait, mental processing, memory, processing speed, coordination and more. This combination of tests and observation results in more specific localization of neurological dysfunction.

Precise Therapy: Until recently it was believed that the brain could not generate new cells or new connections. However, PET and MRI brain scanning technologies prove that the brain can generate new cells and connections. The brain has an ability to adapt - creating new neural pathways - as needed.

Neurons are cells in the nervous system that process and transmit signals. Repetitive activation of neurons causes them to create connections when existing connections are inadequate. This is a property of neuroplasticity.

Various therapies activate different areas of the brain. Precise therapies match the correct exercise with the localized area of dysfunction, which results in improved function and decreased symptoms.

Functional Neurology utilizes various exercises to stimulate specific regions of the brain. These exercises are known as Sensory integration Therapy. A Functional Neurologist can use these exercise to activate the brain at different rates and strengthens, through various pathways.

EXCERCISES IN FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY INCLUDE:

SMART - (Single/Multi-Axis Rotational Therapy)

Recalibrates the inner-ear and brain pathways associated with balance and thinking. By rotating patients at various controlled and calculated speeds, in combinations of different directions, the inner-ear and brain are retrained to function more accurately with balance and thinking.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

By prescribing specific eye & head movements, Functional Neurologists recalibrate balance, visual & cognitive processing.

​Vision Therapy

Vision is one of the most dominant senses in the body. When your eyes do not work properly, your body will sacrifice function in order to preserve vision. After an in-depth analysis, Functional Neurology providers can prescribe eye exercises that help the brain and eyes better process the environment.

Non-Invasive Nerve Stimulation

Sometimes it is important to directly stimulate the brain through nerves in the body. To accomplish this, Functional neurologists deliver a gentle, painless electrical stimulation through the skin that literally “stimulates” targeted areas of the brain.

Physical Therapy

Your brain’s primary response to the environment is to signal your body to move. Sometimes when your brain is injured, it cannot move your body appropriately. Many Functional Neurologists are trained to prescribe and deliver targeted physical therapy specific to your needs. This helps you recover as quickly as possible.

Neurofeedback

One recent and significant advance in neuroscience is the ability to measure and retrain brain waves. Using sophisticated biofeedback equipment, Functional Neurologists measure and provide treatment to create changes in neutral networks.

Chiropractic Manipulation

When the brain is unable to properly control muscles, people often experience pain, decreased movement and stiffness. Functional Neurologists perform chiropractic manipulative therapies; this moves a joint in a small but fast manner-faster than your muscles can respond. This resets the tone of a muscle, while also changing the signals the muscles send to the brain, allowing you to think and move better than before.

Sensory Integration Therapy

This therapy incorporates multiple senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, stretch, etc.) to reorganize your brain’s function. This is effective in patients with concussion, learning and developmental disorders, stroke and numerous other neurological conditions. Employing exercises that stimulate targeted areas of the brain, through multiple pathways at varying appropriate rates and intensity, can improve neurological function.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY?

Functional Neurology is an effective and cutting-edge approach to care for people with challenging neurological conditions.

FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE PARTICULARLY EFFECTIVE FOR:

  • Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Movement disorders

  • Neurodegenerative disorders

  • Patients with significant neurological challenges including:

    • Developmental Disorders

    • Neuro-psychological conditions

    • Vestibular/balance disorders

    • Cognitive challenges

    • Pain syndromes

  • Brain/Sports performance optimization

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 billion people (1 out of every 6) worldwide suffer from some sort of neurological injury, disease or disorder. As the population ages, these numbers will grow at an accelerated pace.

WHO PRACTICES FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY?

Functional Neurology is not a medical discipline; it is an approach to patient care. It is practiced by thousands of providers worldwide in multiple fields of medicine, including:

  • Medical Doctors

  • Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Doctors of Chiropractic

  • Physical Therapists

Board eligibility in Functional Neurology requires a doctorate in a health specialty, a minimum of 350 hours didactic training and clinical applications. Once board-eligible, a candidate can then become certified by an organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). There are more than 700 board-certified Functional Neurology practitioners worldwide.