For more, head to http://www.cerebrum.com/cms/functional-neurology-basics-definitions-treatments-and-answers/ The concept of medicine is evolving. These days, instead of seeing the doctor only when they feel sick, more people are visiting the doctor so they won’t get sick. It’s an important shift in the way we conceptualize medicine and its role in our daily lives.

1. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
Cerebrum Health Centers

2. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
The concept of medicine is evolving. These days, instead of seeing the
doctor only when they feel sick, more people are visiting the doctor so
they won’t get sick. It’s an important shift in the way we conceptualize
medicine and its role in our daily lives.
Perhaps the biggest requirement for early disease prevention is to look
at the body as a whole and acknowledge that all body systems are
intertwined. This is the cornerstone of Functional Neurology.
If this is your first time ever hearing about Functional Neurology, you’re
not alone. Let’s dive into what it is and how this practice can help you live
a proactive, healthy life.
What is Functional Neurology?
Functional Neurology is a branch of Chiropractic Neurology.
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers

3. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
At first blush, it may seem weird to associate chiropractic adjustment
with brain function. How can manipulation of the body’s physical
structure affect mental function and vice versa?
There is a strong link between optimal mental health and physiological
behavior. In chiropractic neurology, specialists investigate the warning
symptoms of pain, imbalance, and other disorders. Illness and
degeneration are often caused by a break down in the function of the
brain.
The biggest contributor to abnormal brain function is stress. While stress
isn’t always bad, too much of it can cause the brain to misfire. This can
lead to:
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers

4. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
ADD
ADHD
Alzheimer’s
Arthritis Pain
Asperger’s
Autism
Balance Problems (Dizziness, Lightheadedness)
Chronic Pain (Neck, Back, Arm, Hip, Shoulder)
Concussion
Dyslexia
Fibromyalgia
Gastro-intestinal problems
Headaches and Migraines
Heart Palpitations
Insomnia
Multiple Sclerosis
Numbness
Parkinson’s Disease
Restless Leg Syndrome
Sciatica
Thyroid Disorders
Vertigo
Understanding the symptoms (even in the beginning stages) will help a
Functional Neurologist diagnose what areas of the brain may be
negatively impacted by stress and create a course of correction.
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers

5. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
Functional Neurology seeks to restore the proper function of the brain by
correcting the misfired messages within the brain loop. Instead of curing
illnesses and degenerative disorders with medicinal treatment, functional
neurology focuses on restoring brain function. The thought is that a
properly functioning brain can then correct the associated physiological
dysfunctions caused by neurological misfiring.
But Functional Neurology includes more than just one discipline of
medicine. Functional Neurology includes the following:
Audiology
Chiropractic
Optometry
Psychology
Traditional Medicine
It should be noted that Functional Neurology avoids using drugs or
surgery to correct disorders or injury. This is because Functional
Neurology is built on the idea that the brain can and does rewire itself in
response to one’s environment. The nerve connections within the brain
are flexible and adaptable, and can be either positively or negatively
affected by internal or external stimuli, especially stress.
What does a Functional Neurologist Do?
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers

6. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
Functional neurologists specialize in the relationships between the brain,
the nervous system, and the spine.
First and foremost, functional neurologists are chief investigators. They
are scientists who believe that the proper function of the nervous system
is essential to wellness. They also understand the absolute uniqueness
of each person’s nervous system.
Functional neurologists never prescribe cookie-cutter advice— not the
good ones, at least. An important part of a functional neurologist’s job is
to create an individualized assessment and treatment plan, after
investigating the cause of the physical or mental disturbance.
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers

7. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
Whether you’re struggling with aging, memory loss, mental decline, loss
of motility, vision problems, or something else entirely, a functional
neurologist can help you by determining the neurological cause of your
degradation.
In Functional Neurology, specialists investigate the root cause of an
individual’s disorder.
Functional neurologists often use a combination of tools to determine
and then implement a course of treatment. As a new patient, you will
receive a thorough neurodiagnostic examination.
A neurodiagnostic examination will use testing equipment such as:
Advanced imaging, such as Computed Tomography (CT scan),
Doppler ultrasound, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Electroencephalography (EEG) – To monitor and measure the
electrical activity of the brain.
Videonystagmography – To evaluate balance and investigate the
possible origins of dizziness and other balance disorders.
The functional neurologist will also check for hearing and vision
abnormalities.
Additionally, a crucial part of the examination process is observation.
The functional neurologist will visually examine the patient for physical
abnormalities or asymmetries. This includes:
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers

8. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
General appearance of the body as a whole
The appearance of hair, nails, and skin
Pupil size and correlation to each other
Finally, the functional neurologist checks for vital signs, such as heart
rate, blood pressure, respiration, and core temperature.
What are the Common Functional Neurology
Treatments?
Many treatments in functional neurology focus on one side of the body,
in an effort to stimulate the side of the brain that’s misfiring. If the left
side of the brain is misfiring, treatment will focus on the right side of the
body. The reason: Each side of the body is controlled by the opposite
hemisphere of the brain.
Functional neurologists use a variety of tools to correct abnormal brain
function, including:
Comprehensive Assessment of Postural Systems (CAPS™ for
short) – a tool used to determine an individual’s proprioception, or the
brain’s ability to sense the position and movement of the body.
GyroStim Rotating Chair – Treats imbalance by stimulating neural
activity deep within the brain. It activates the brain’s neuroplasticity and
catalyzes the process of self-correction.
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers

9. Functional Neurology basics: definitions,
treatments, and answers
In additional to the above treatment modalities, the functional neurologist
may also use other measures to adjust incorrect brain function. This
includes sensory stimulation, physical rehabilitative exercises, relaxation
techniques, and manual chiropractic adjustments.
The functional neurologist may also create an individualized diet plan and
prescribe dietary supplements as a course of treatment.
How can Functional Neurology Help Me?
Functional Neurology is an answer for patients who want to take a
proactive stance on their healthcare. Instead of allowing disease to grow
in your body for years unchecked, an investigative check up by a trusted
functional neurologist can help you pinpoint early warning signs and
prescribe preventative exercises or medicinal remedies.
But, as we’ve discussed above, embracing Functional Neurology doesn’t
just help you prevent illness. By shifting your concept of medicine, and
embracing the idea that your brain can rebuild your systems when given
the right stimulation, you’ll live a more optimal and healthful life now.
Learn more at Cerebrum Health Centers Website
Functional Neurology basics: definitions, treatments, and answers