Functional Neurology

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.