Frequently Asked Questions

What is Functional Neurology

Functional Neurology is a field of study that achieves successful clinical results by applying current neuroscience understanding. Functional Neurology has emphasises on restoring or managing nervous system dysfunction by using non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approaches.  A respect and understanding of the relationships between different stages and levels of the nervous system (e.g. brain, brainstem and spinal cord).

Traditionally neurology tends to look at disease of the nervous system as black-and-white, with white being optimal neurologic function and black being neurological disease such as tumours, strokes, etc. Functional Neurology looks at dysfunction of the nervous system as different shades of grey looking for subtle changes in the nervous system before they become distinct pathologies.

An assessment will aim to uncover the patient’s unique neurological demands. A balance and healthily functioning nervous system has a well regulated balance of fuel, oxygen and activation at the cellular level. So a role of the Functional Neurologist is to clinically locate the site within the nervous system which is compromised or imbalanced.

Three factors that are of high importance to the functional neurologist are:

1. Determining the site of the problem in the nervous system?
2. What would be the correct and accurate quality of stimulation to activate that area?
3. Adapting this vital information in order to apply the accurate amount of stimulation to the patient?

What testing and examinations are performed at Brainstorm Rehabilitation?

It is important to note that our Functional Neurologist aims to identify and treat dysfunctions of the nervous system without the use of drugs or surgery. At Brainstorm Rehabilitation your journey begins with a comprehensive questionnaire and consultation. This will follow with a detailed physical and neurological examination. Often special tests performed may include Ocular-Motor testing, various Vestibular and Balance testing, Autonomic Function tests and Sensory-Motor tests. This will enable the practitioner to determine whether Brainstorm Rehabilitation is able to assist.

What is a Functional Neurologist?

Our Functional Neurologists at Brainstorm Rehabilitation are registered and experienced Chiropractors. As health practitioners, they have developed a specialty interest within the clinical neuroscience field. Through their extended education, training, and certification, they choose to advance their practice. Other Health Professions (medical and allied health) are supportive of the role of a Functional Neurologist provides for patient management. Brainstorm Rehabilitation has welcomed referrals from many medical and allied health care professions. Our Functional Neurologists regularly communicate with other members of national and international functional neurology associations (AAFN and IAFNR) as well as other health care professional.

Typically, a Functional Neurologist serves in the same consulting manner as a medical Neurologist. A significant point of difference is that applications of a Functional Neurologist do not include drugs or surgery. As a result, a functional neurologist sees the treatment of certain conditions differently than a medical neurologist, and vice versa. The Functional Neurologist often assist patients with a variety of movement disorders, dystonia, post-stroke rehabilitation, hemispheristic dysfunction, radiculopathy, and nerve entrapment syndromes that are consequences of peripheral or central types of lesions. This is done through a series of exercises which stimulate the patient’s nervous system in the areas of dysfunction.

What is the basis for Functional Neurology?

The Functional Neurologist is a specialist in the functional aspect of the nervous system and brain-based modalities. Recent developments in neurophysiology have given us the understanding that our brain is a receptor-based system that is constantly adapting and responding to the environment. Environmental changes, whether involving a change in temperature, visual information, position of our bodies, or the movement of a joint, are signalled to the brain via the activation of receptors. These peripheral nerves enter the spinal cord where they become pathways that transmit signals to our brain. The brain will then respond appropriately, sending a signal back to the body.

What treatment does the Functional Neurologist utilize?

Once a person’s neurological lesion or area of dysfunction is identified, then various modalities such as neuromuscular rehabilitation exercises, auditory stimulation, different visual stimulations, neurofeedback training, cognitive exercise and/or balance rehabilitation may be utilized to either increase or decrease function of areas of one’s nervous system. The Functional Neurologist is specifically trained to determine the appropriate modalities and to determine one’s metabolic rate in order to maximize change.

What type of Patients comes to Brainstorm Rehabilitation?

Our training and education is orientated towards brain based dysfunction. Our therapies have particular interest within the area of Balance disorders and children with learning difficulties.  This may be manifested as;

Vertigo, dizziness, and coordination problems,

Movement disorders, tremors, and dystonia

Visual disturbances and eye fatigue

Memory and concentration difficulties

Peripheral nerve injuries, numbness and tingling of the arm/hand/leg or foot, such as carpal tunnel and tendonitis

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Learning and attention disorders, ADD, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette’s

Chronic pain in the neck, back, and limbs

Some gastrointestinal disorders

High blood pressure

Depression Migraines and headaches

Scoliosis

Hormonal dysfunction