What is Functional Neurology

Functional Neurology (FN) is a healthcare modality that applies the principles and concepts of Clinical Neuroscience to observe and work with patients through a neurological lens.

Functional Neurology views the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and receptors) as an integrated network that controls all functions in the human body through balanced signaling. FN therefore serves as a clinical lens to understand how an individual receives, interprets and responds to the world around them. Therapeutic methods are then performed to treat areas of imbalance according to the principle of neuroplasticity, working towards long term change. 

Functional Neurology is based on the principle of neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to relearn and reorganize functions via neuronal connections. This is accomplished by strategically shaping or modifying different types of therapeutic inputs. Examples of common inputs are sensory such as vision, touch and sound; cognitive, motor and emotional rehabilitation methods. 

Nerves that fire together wire together - This concept of neuroplasticity is utilized through precise treatment methods to help individuals enhance and regain functions, quality of life, decrease pain, think better, move better and optimally perform. 

Functional Neurology represents a form of Brain Based healthcare that utilizes an evidence based approach to improve quality of life by optimizing brain function. The Empowered Brain Program offered at our online clinic utilizes Functional Neurology together with Functional Medicine, Chiropractic and Rehabilitation to help individuals living with cognitive decline and other neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. 

Below are some principles of neuroplasticity that are applied in the Empowered Brain Program to help patients towards optimal achievements in their life-health goals.

Principles of neuroplasticity

1. Use it or lose it - applies to cognition and memory, vision, muscle, hearing... everything on both macro and micro levels. 
2. Use it and improve it - the more utilized an ability or skill, the more it develops
3. Specificity matters - the more specific the inputs and expression the more targeted they will be
4. Repetition matters - repetition is crucial for reinforcement
5. Intensity matters - intense forms of therapeutic intervention are longer lasting
6. Time matters - change takes time 
7. Salience matters - meaning and importance are highly significant in reinforcement 
8. Age matters - neurogenesis and neuronal sprouting reduces with age.