Understanding Functional Neurology
What exactly is it?
Functional Neurology is a specialty within the chiropractic field where chiropractors further specialize in a Neurology by competing an additional three year course in neurology which includes academic, practical training and an examination from American Chiropractic Neurology Board. This profession deals with the central integrated state theory. This essentially means that this specialty views the nervous system as the sum of all of the activating and inhibiting pathways and inputs. The theory and idea of focusing on the central integrated state derives from Sherrington’s 1932 Nobel Prize theory. Due to the complexity of the nervous system, it is usually difficult to find the abnormality and therefore is the labeled as functional, hence the name functional neurology.
What is Neuroplasticity?
It was initially believed that the brain reaches a maturity where it will no longer grow and adapt in terms of forming new synaptic connections. However, this was proved wrong by understanding the brain’s neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability for our brain to learn and adapt to new experiences and stimuli. Our brain continues to create and change neurological pathways every day, the more it is exposed to changes. Therefore, this proves that therapy can create long lasting effects on patients who have suffered neurological damage, if applied consistently.
What is the diagnostic process?
Since the nervous system is so complex, and labeled as functional neurology the diagnostic process focuses on identifying the pathways of the brain that are dysfunctional. We do a variety of testing that measures overall brain function – this can include a detailed visual processing test, vestibular testing, balance testing, and more.
