Functional Neurology (FN) is an innovative treatment option for many brain-based health conditions. It works on the principle that our brain and nervous system can be altered or “plastic” through different experiences.
A personalized treatment plan is created, tailored to each patient’s individual needs and bio-individuality. It consists of stimulating physical, mental, and nutritional exercises designed to rewire the brain and enhance its function.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity, or the capacity of neurons to alter their gene expression patterns in response to dynamic environments, is an important mechanism in how the brain adapts to damage and injury. This can involve both structural and functional alterations within the brain and plays a significant role in learning, memory retention, healing processes, as well as adaptive behavior.
Structural plasticity refers to changes in brain matter volume, number of axons and dendrites as well as connections between nerve cells (neurons). Functional plasticity refers to changes in neural pathway strength.
Synapses, or connections between neurons, mediate these changes. When neurons fire, they release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft that either activate or inhibit other neurons. These modifications may be temporary or long-lasting depending on how quickly each type of transmitter acts.
Stimulation
Functional neurology utilizes a range of exercises and therapies that target areas of the brain that aren’t functioning optimally. This could include physical or mental exercises, sensory stimulation, as well as nutritional support.
Functional Neurology treats symptoms by rewiring and training the brain to function more efficiently through neuroplasticity – an adaptive process.
Similar to how children learn how to walk, talk, or write, brain connections form through experience. Unfortunately, when trauma or developmental obstacles occur in a child’s life these connections may be severed.
Exercise
Exercising is the practice of moving your body in order to increase heart rate and enhance overall wellness. This could include anything from a light walk or yoga session to more strenuous workouts such as marathons or triathlons.
Research suggests that exercise has numerous benefits for your brain. It may reduce the risk of mental health disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, among others.
Running also lowers stress levels, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it stimulates the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin – commonly referred to as the “runner’s high.”
Exercise combined with functional neurology rehabilitation can be a successful treatment for many neurological conditions. This process involves an in-depth examination of the nervous system, followed by exercises designed to stimulate function in an imbalanced area of the brain.
Nutritional Support
Functional neurology utilizes non-invasive treatments to rejuvenate nerve cells and enhance brain functioning. These therapies utilize various stimuli to target an area of the brain and promote normal neuron activity.
Treatments may include cognitive and eye exercises, physical medicine therapy, balance exercises, and joint adjustments. Furthermore, practitioners may add nutritional supplementation to provide the ‘fuel’ neurons need for optimal function.
Nutritional support should be introduced cautiously in severely ill or injured people requiring enteral tube feeding or parenteral nutrition (e.g., those with dysphagia, impaired breathing, and those on therapeutic diets). Depending on metabolic and gastrointestinal tolerance, no more than 50% of estimated energy and protein needs should be provided initially; then full requirements can be gradually met over the first 24-48 hours or longer if clinical monitoring reveals no refeeding problems after that point.
Lifestyle Changes
If you’re struggling with migraines, chronic pain, balance issues or other symptoms, lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and stress management may provide relief.
Altering your lifestyle can be daunting, but it is possible to see visible improvements in your health. You might be amazed at how quickly those benefits appear in your overall well-being.
Functional neurology is a practice that draws from neuroscience research to carefully examine the intricate connection between your brain and nervous system. This cutting-edge approach can offer effective treatment for various neurological disorders without the use of prescription medication or surgery.
Functional neurologists recognize and address subtle changes in the nervous system before they escalate into more significant issues. They understand that each person’s bio-individuality requires a tailored approach for success.