The practice of functional neurology is based on the observable phenomenon of neural plasticity – the potential for the nervous system to remodel and reorganize itself, particularly after injury. 

The brain is not simply a complicated computer. It does not have a fixed organization of regions and roles, as was traditionally thought. An emerging body of evidence throughout the 20th century proved quite the opposite. As it turns out, if region “A” of the brain sustains an injury and can no longer function properly, differently-located region “B” could assume the functional load originally assigned to region “A”. 

Licensed doctoral practitioners of functional neurology (MDs, DOs, and DCs) are specialists in encouraging a patient’s nervous system through the process of positive neural plasticity. This approach is typically noninvasive, drug-free, and focuses on sensory-based active rehabilitation of the nervous system. 

Typical therapy approaches in a functional neurology office include a combination of ocular and vestibular rehabilitation, physical therapy, spinal adjustment, functional medicine, cold laser, electrical stimulation, acupuncture/dry needling, and nutritional counsel. While other practitioners may use many of these same tools, a functional neurologist will utilize them with the intent of brain or nervous system healing to overcome deeper injuries that have not responded to other forms of care.