APEX Brain Centers

Functional Neurology

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What is it?

Although its applications have been practiced for generations, functional neurology as a health care discipline is a relatively new concept. In recent years it has gained significant momentum and wide acceptance as a proactive brain performance strategy and a powerful treatment option for disorders of the nervous system. The practice of functional neurology spans multiple disciplines including chiropractic, psychology, conventional medicine, optometry, audiology, and physical and occupational therapies.

Chiropractic Functional Neurology vs. Conventional Medical Neurology

The key difference between a Functional Neurologist and a Conventional Medical Neurologist lies primarily in their approaches to treatment.

A Conventional Medical Neurologist is typically focused on the diagnosis of structural pathology and utilizes pharmaceutical and surgical interventions to treat disease.

A Functional Neurologist views the nervous system as a moldable, changeable entity that can be affected in its function through virtually unlimited types of environmental stimulation. This concept of the brain being able to change its function throughout life via environmental stimulation is termed ‘neuroplasticity’ and is at the very core of a Functional Neurologist’s clinical methodology.

The Chiropractic Neurologist

The Chiropractic Neurologist is the embodiment of a Functional Neurologist. A Chiropractic Neurologist undergoes doctoral and post-graduate training and a rigorous certification process. For more information on the certification process, visit the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. The intensive training a Chiropractic Neurologist undertakes ensures a higher level of clinical efficacy with functional Brain Training interventions.

Chiropractic Neurologists typically rely on a holistic or global view of the individual while maintaining a laser sharp focus on the nervous system; the coordinator of all systems. Many conditions of the nervous system have little, if any, effective long-term clinical success with conventional interventions. The safety and efficacy of long term pharmaceutical usage is highly questionable. Neurodegenerative disorders are on the rise, in part because humans are now living longer than ever.

How is Functional Neurology Applied?

As an artist or chef uses many tools to bring their inspirations to life, the Functional Neurologist has a virtually unlimited armamentarium to benefit the needs of any individual. Anything that can be used to stimulate the nervous system (e.g. vision, sound, smell, movement, balance, etc.) can be used as a method of Brain Training. These modalities are directed by some of the most advanced and clinically reliable assessments available today. These programs are supported by Functional Medicine approaches where metabolic function is assessed and improved with specific diet and nutritional interventions.

Who Benefits?

Any brain benefits from evaluation and training with a Functional Neurologist. Whether you are burdened with a neurological condition, facing age-related memory loss and cognitive decline, unable to focus and concentrate, or looking to elevate your current level of academic, athletic or artistic performance. Functional neurology is a brilliant tool to help you meet and exceed your health care goals, and improve quality of life.

Dr. Michael S. Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Neurofeedback Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the practice of advanced functional neurology. He is one of the most highly sought-after brain rehabilitation specialists because of the life-changing outcomes his patients consistently experience. After over a decade in private practice and working alongside other pioneers in the field, Dr. Trayford developed his multimodal intensive brain training and rehabilitation program built around the science of Neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to learn and grow dependent upon the stimulation it receives from its environment. He later founded APEX Brain Centers to combine his ground-breaking rehabilitation approach with a unique patient and caretaker-centered care model. Under Dr. Trayford’s leadership, APEX Brain Centers has successfully treated thousands of patients and earned the reputation of a world-renowned brain training and rehabilitation practice. Since its inception, Dr. Trayford has been a leader of the Brain Training revolution treating patients worldwide. In addition, he is a published journal contributor and international lecturer. His experience with various patients of all ages and neurological conditions has given him a unique perspective on brain health and human performance. He is also well-versed in collaborating with other health care professionals, making him an invaluable asset to any care team. Dr. Trayford was awarded the Functional Neurologist of the Year distinction by the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, where he is a proud member and conference lecturer. Currently, he serves on the Advisory Council for the Dementia Society of America and the Board of Directors for the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research. He is also a servant leader who has dedicated his adult life to serving multiple communities through Rotary International and other notable causes. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Trayford usually reads or researches anything related to the brain, human performance, and leadership. He also loves spending time outdoors with his wife Denise, their two daughters, and dogs in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaeltrayford/

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