In recent years, functional neurology has gained significant attention as a cutting-edge approach to addressing neurological issues. This innovative field focuses on the intricate relationship between the nervous system and overall health, offering personalized treatment plans that go beyond traditional medical approaches.
In this article, we’ll explore what functional neurology is, how it works, and its benefits, all while delving into the latest research and expert insights.
What is Functional Neurology?
Functional neurology is a developing and evolving branch of healthcare that aims to assess and optimize the function of the nervous system. Unlike conventional neurology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, functional neurology emphasizes identifying and addressing dysfunctions in the nervous system before they develop into full-blown medical conditions. While conventional neurology generally focuses on symptoms, functional neurology acknowledges that there are usually deeper root causes for symptoms that require an in-depth approach to looking at people structurally, nutritionally, and neurologically.
Functional neurology utilizes the knowledge and understanding that the brain and nervous system play an essential role in regulating the body’s functions. By assessing neurological function, practitioners can identify subtle imbalances or dysfunctions that may not yet present as symptoms but could lead to health issues in the future.
In order for someone to call themselves a functional neurologist, they must be board certified through an accredited association like the ACNB or ACFN to ensure proper training, education, and safety to the public.
The Principles of Brain and Neurological Therapy
Functional neurology is grounded in several fundamental principles:
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Functional neurologists leverage this concept to create personalized treatment plans that stimulate specific brain areas, promoting healing and optimal function.
Neuroplasticity occurs within the central nervous system and is present throughout life. Because of this, anyone, regardless of age, can change the way their brain and body function.
Integrative Approach
Functional neurology takes an integrative approach to healthcare. It considers the interconnectedness of the nervous system with other bodily systems, such as the musculoskeletal, endocrine, and immune systems. This comprehensive view allows practitioners to address the root causes of neurological dysfunction rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
Individualized Care
Every patient is unique, and functional neurology acknowledges this by providing personally tailored treatment plans. Practitioners conduct thorough assessments to understand each patient’s unique neurological profile, considering lifestyle, genetics, epigenetics, diet, and environmental influences.
How Functional Neurology Works
Functional neurology combines advanced diagnostic techniques, structural and neurological therapeutic interventions, and in-depth bedside testing to assess and optimize brain function. Here’s a closer look at the process:
Comprehensive Assessment
The first step in functional neurology is a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s neurological function. This assessment will involve a detailed medical history, physical and orthopedic examination, and specialized tests such as:
- Functional MRI (fMRI): This imaging technique measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.
- Electroencephalography (EEG): EEG records the electrical activity throughout the cortex and brain. The findings can help diagnose conditions like epilepsy and seizures.
- Videonystagmography (VNG): VNG assesses eye movements and vestibular function, which can reveal issues with balance and coordination.
- Dynamic Posturography: Posturography objectively quantifies balance and sway patterns, allowing providers to set baselines for balance and stability.
Diagnosis
Based on the assessment, the functional neurologist identifies specific brain and nervous system areas that may be functioning sub-optimally. Unlike traditional neurology, which often categorizes conditions into particular diseases, functional neurology focuses on identifying patterns of dysfunction.
The brain works in neural networks that are constantly communicating with each other, making it essential to understand how damage or dysfunction to one area can have distant outcomes due to these feedback pathways. Functional neurologists focus on improving brain capacity and quality of life by optimizing these “weaker” areas of function so the brain can function together at a higher level.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Once a diagnosis is set, the functional neurologist designs a personalized treatment plan. Treatments can include an array of therapeutic interventions, such as:
- Orthopedic/Structural Care: Techniques like postural correction, manual manipulations, and soft tissue modalities can influence neurological function by impacting the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems.
- Neurorehabilitation: Targeted exercises and activities are used to stimulate specific brain regions and improve function by promoting neuroplasticity and rewiring of the brain.
- Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition is crucial for brain health. Functional neurologists may recommend dietary changes or supplements to support neurological function. Many utilize techniques from functional medicine to improve inflammation profiles and gut function, which inherently affect brain function.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management, sleep optimization, and regular exercise are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan to improve a patient’s brain function.
Benefits of Brain-Based Rehabilitation
Functional neurology offers a range of benefits, making it an attractive option for patients looking to optimize their brain health and overall well-being.
Early Detection and Prevention
Functional neurology focuses on subtle dysfunctions rather than waiting for symptoms and disease to manifest. This proactive approach can identify and address potential dysfunction early, aiming to prevent the development of more severe neurological conditions.
Non-Invasive Treatments
Functional neurology often utilizes non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments, reducing the need for medications or surgeries. These approaches can be particularly beneficial for people who prefer natural and integrative healthcare options over invasive procedures.
Tailored to the Individual
The personalized nature of functional neurology ensures that every person receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. By taking a customized approach, functional neurologists can achieve more effective and lasting results than one-size-fits-all treatments.
Improved Quality of Life
Functional neurology providers’ goal is to optimize brain function and improve overall quality of life. They’re keen to focus on enhancing things like cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical performance. Patients often report better concentration, mood, and energy levels with treatments.
Applications of Functional Neurology
Functional neurology offers valuable support for various conditions and concerns, especially for patients who have been down traditional medical routes and are still seeking answers. Functional Neurology doctors specialist in the following conditions:
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Functional neurologists specialize in evaluating and rehabilitating individuals who have experienced concussions and TBIs. Focusing on specific areas of the brain and central nervous system can aid in the recovery process, helping patients regain aspects of cognitive and physical function.
Chronic Pain
Neurological dysfunctions often play a significant role in chronic pain conditions like migraines, fibromyalgia, and chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Functional neurology addresses these underlying issues, providing tailored treatment plans to alleviate pain, optimize function, and improve overall well-being.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
While functional neurology does not cure neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, it can offer supportive interventions that may slow disease progression, delay the onset of more significant symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for those affected.
Developmental Disorders
Children with developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can experience meaningful improvements through functional neurology. This approach targets specific neurological pathways to support cognitive and behavioral development while also heavily emphasizing diet, gut function, and underlying inflammation.
Dizziness/Vertigo
Functional neurology provides effective interventions for dizziness and vertigo by addressing the underlying neurological imbalances. Through targeted therapies involving the neck, vestibular system, and visual reflexes, patients can achieve improved balance, reduce symptoms, and usually return to daily activities without the debilitating effects of these conditions.
Dysautonomia/POTS
Dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), involves dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system. Functional neurology offers a comprehensive approach to managing these conditions by improving autonomic regulation and reducing symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, and rapid heart rate. By using therapies like tilt tables, vagal nerve stimulation, and the combination of visual and vestibular rehabilitation, patients can improve and get back to daily living.
Headaches/Migraine
Migraine and other headache disorders often stem from complex neurological factors. Functional neurology seeks to identify and correct these dysfunctions, offering patients relief from chronic headaches through personalized treatment strategies. Especially with migraine, it’s essential to address root causes relating to genetics, diet, lifestyle, sleep, and altered neurological function.
Sports Injuries
Athletes recovering from sports injuries can benefit from functional neurology, which focuses on optimizing brain-body connections. By enhancing neurological function, this approach can accelerate recovery, improve coordination, and help prevent future injuries. Athletes can also benefit from using these therapies in a preventative manner to optimize function and training while enhancing recovery and performance.
The Future of Treating The Brain with FN
Functional neurology will see significant growth and continued innovation as neuroscience research advances. Emerging technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces and neurofeedback, hold promise for increasing accuracy of care and treatment efficacy.
Moreover, functional neurology’s integration with other healthcare disciplines, such as psychology, physical therapy, and nutrition, is likely to expand. This multidisciplinary approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of brain health and lead to more effective treatments.
Function Neurological Rehabilitation is The Future of Medicine
As you can see, functional neurology represents a promising approach to optimizing brain health and addressing neurological problems. By focusing on the brain’s inherent ability to adapt and change, this field offers personalized and non-invasive treatment options that go beyond traditional medical approaches. It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to enhance cognitive function, recover from an injury, or address chronic pain. Functional neurology has the potential to provide the solutions you need for a healthier, more vibrant life.
As research and technology continue to evolve, the future of functional neurology looks bright. We believe this innovative field is poised to completely change how we understand and care for the brain, offering hope and healing to many individuals around the world.
At The Neural Connection, we pride ourselves in being world-leaders in the functional neurology and brain-based rehabilitation sector. Check out our 94+ 5-Star Google Reviews to see what our patient’s say about us!
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*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients are advised to consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.
