Brain Health D.C.

Functional Neurology can be applied to a wide range of neurological and neurobehavioral conditions. Some of the common conditions treated include:

• Concussion and post-concussion syndrome: Functional Neurology is often used to help individuals recover from the lingering effects of a concussion.
• Chronic migraines and headaches: By addressing neurological imbalances, Functional Neurology can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
• Dizziness and vertigo: Functional Neurology helps patients with vestibular disorders that affect balance and coordination.
• Movement disorders: Conditions like Parkinson's disease, tremors, and dystonia can benefit from functional neurological approaches to improve motor function.
• Developmental disorders in children: Autism, ADHD, and other developmental delays are often addressed through neuroplasticity-enhancing therapies.
• Chronic pain and neuropathies: By rebalancing the nervous system, Functional Neurology can alleviate chronic pain syndromes.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Therapies aim to restore cognitive and physical function after brain injury.
• Learning disabilities: Functional Neurology can help with conditions like dyslexia and processing disorders by improving brain function. This approach is also used for balance issues, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, including early stages of dementia.

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Functional Neurology treatments are typically non-invasive and focus on stimulating the brain and nervous system through natural means, without relying on medications or surgery. Therapies include sensory stimulation, physical exercises, eye movement training, and cognitive drills, all of which are aimed at improving neurological function through natural processes.

While Functional Neurologists may work alongside other healthcare providers who prescribe medications, their treatments do not typically involve pharmaceuticals. Instead, they focus on using the body’s own ability to heal and adapt, making it an appealing option for patients looking to avoid invasive treatments or medications with side effects.

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Functional Neurology is a specialized approach to treating neurological disorders by focusing on how the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system function as a whole. Unlike traditional neurology, which often focuses on diagnosing and managing neurological diseases with medications or surgery, Functional Neurology emphasizes the dynamic functioning of the nervous system. It aims to improve or restore function through non-invasive therapies that leverage the brain's plasticity, or ability to adapt and reorganize.

In traditional neurology, the primary focus is on structural abnormalities, such as tumors, strokes, or nerve damage, and the goal is to manage symptoms, often with pharmaceuticals or surgery. Functional Neurology, on the other hand, looks at how various systems of the body are working together and addresses imbalances that may not be evident on MRI or CT scans but still contribute to dysfunction. The emphasis is on restoring optimal neurological function through individualized, often non-invasive, therapeutic techniques.

NeurOptimal is a type of advanced neurofeedback system designed to optimize brain function by using real-time data on brain activity. It works by monitoring your brain’s electrical activity through sensors placed on your scalp. When the system detects any patterns of instability or turbulence in your brain’s electrical signals, it provides feedback in the form of auditory cues, typically through music or sound. These interruptions gently signal the brain to self-correct, leading to a more balanced and regulated state.

Unlike many treatments that target specific symptoms or conditions, NeurOptimal focuses on training the brain to be more flexible and resilient, which can enhance overall well-being. By doing this, the brain can better manage stress, improve cognitive function, and address emotional imbalances, essentially allowing it to reorganize itself and function more efficiently.

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Neurosensory integration (NSI) therapy utilizes a touchscreen, fully customizable program that integrates the three primary senses of tactile information, vestibular (inner ear) function, and proprioception (muscle and joint information). Through a combination of eye movements, balance, and sensory input this program corrects and improves sensory processing disorders from a wide variety of conditions. The patient may complete these therapies standing, seated, or standing on a foam pad. 

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Neurofeedback a.k.a. neurobiofeedback uses small electrical conductors applied to the ears and scalp to collect and reorganize real-time brain activity (called electroencephalography) when combined with specific sounds played through headphones to improve self-regulation of brain pulsations. Higher frequency brain pulsations (i.e. brain waves) are reduced to lower frequency brain waves through a computerized program to aid in sleep, deep meditation, and calming responses in the body. You do not feel anything while the electrodes are attached. The session is typically run for 30 minutes and involves reclining in a cool, dark room for that length of time. Bonus: if you feel drowsy and want to take a nap, go for it! The system does not require consciousness to be effective.