Functional neurology, a specialized area of chiropractic practice, focuses on assessing, rehabilitating and optimizing brain and body function with non-invasive, holistic therapies. Traditional neurology primarily addresses structural dysfunction of the brain using invasive modalities such as medication, surgery and injections (which have their place). However, functional neurology aims to address neurological dysfunction’s underlying root causes.

Functional neurology uses cutting-edge diagnostics to evaluate brain functions that often look at the whole person, brain and body, measuring processing speeds, eye movement patterns, balance, coordination, brainwaves and more. This modality distinguishes itself from traditional health care by prioritizing a comprehensive individualized assessment, rather than simply addressing symptoms.

Chiropractic neurologists may specialize in conditions such as concussion/TBI, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, vertigo, POTS and dysautonomia, migraines, stroke, vestibular dysfunction, neurodegenerative disease and others.

Education in functional neurology is quite extensive. Chiropractic neurologists (functional neurologists) obtain a three-and-a-half-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree, followed by at least three years of post-doctoral study in neurology and additional specialized education. Chiropractic neurologists are nervous system specialists that focus on optimizing both central and peripheral nervous system function.

They typically employ state-of-the-art therapies to develop a personalized and comprehensive approach to an individual treatment plan. They may use virtual reality therapy, neurofeedback, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), Gyrostim therapy, cold laser therapy, transcranial photobiomodulation (a form of red-light therapy), vagus nerve stimulation and others.

Functional neurology, which addresses the root causes of neurological issues and optimizes brain function, offers a refreshing, promising approach to improving overall health and well-being through holistic and non-invasive measures.

Alicia Brown, DC, DACNB, is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and owner of Better Brain & Body, Human Optimization Center, located at 11230 Carmel Commons Blvd., in Charlotte. For appointments, a free 15-minute consult or more information, call 704-752-8100 or visit BetterBrainAndBody.com.

Better Brain & Body, Human Optimization Center - 11230 Carmel Commons Blvd, Charlotte, NC

Better Brain & Body is a Human Optimization Center specializing in Functional Neurology based treatments and rehabilitation therapies. Utilizing a Brain-to-Body approach, our clinic a... Read More »