What Do Functional Neurologists Do?

Modern medicine allows healthcare providers to transform their diagnostic and treatment techniques. Often, it is highly effective. But sometimes, it only provides the solutions needed to improve the patient’s quality of life. This is especially true when they suffer from poorly-understood ailments. These include unexplained movement disorders, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.

Do you know what it is like to visit doctor after doctor and not find the help you need? If so, you should understand the appeal of alternative medicine, like functional neurology. After all, people in pain or discomfort will do everything possible to find relief.

What Is Functional Neurology?

This treatment discipline focuses on various neurological disorders. It may have several subspecialties, but it generally involves treating the following:

Vestibular challenges.
Brain injury patients.
Movement disorders.
Degenerative disorders.
Other conditions of unknown origin.

This treatment discipline does not involve pharmaceutical or sugary solutions. Instead, it employs some combination of therapies.

Neuroplasticity

The hypothesis behind this treatment is neuroplasticity. Like muscle strengthening, it depends on repetitions. You need to use a muscle if you want it to grow. Similarly, you must activate the specific areas of the brain you are trying to strengthen if you want it to grow.

Who Are Functional Neurologists?

These are nervous system specialists. They have an American Board of Chiropractic Neurology postdoctoral diplomate. They have advanced clinical neuroscience training, focusing on the brain's workings.

They use different tools to assess how the central nervous system works. They begin with a thorough physical exam and extensive health history. They then perform a comprehensive neurological exam and neurodiagnostic tests.

These tools and tests provide a closer look at how the various systems work. These include the vestibular system, visual system, coordination, and balance. The tests provide an idea of the brain’s functionality to locate dysfunctional areas.

What Do They Do?

The primary goal of a functional neurologist is to optimize how the brain works. They use a holistic approach to treatment consisting of several neurologically stimulating therapies. You will work together to create an appropriate treatment plan.

Common Therapies They Provide

Some of the most common therapies provided by chiropractic neurologists include the following:

Chiropractic adjustments.
Eye movement therapy.
Cold laser therapy.
Aromatherapy techniques.
Neurofeedback.
Oscillation.
Rotational therapies.
Exercise with oxygen therapy.
Primitive reflex remediation.
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises.
Color and light therapies.

Education

One must undergo extensive training to become a certified functional neurologist. This includes at least 350 credit hours of extra training after completing any of the following:

Doctor of Chiropractic.
Doctor of Medicine.
Physical Therapist.
Naturopathic Doctor.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

Most of those in this field are chiropractors.

Conclusion

Functional neurologists are formally taught and trained to treat most neurological conditions. They treat the individual and not their condition. Treatment does not aim to fix incurable diseases and disorders. Instead, it seeks to improve the working portions of the nervous system. It promotes a better quality of life for patients.

For more on functional neurology, visit Bagnell Brain Center. Our office is in Pinecrest, Florida. Call (305) 889-7488 to request an appointment today.