Charlotte Chiropractic Care

Functional neurology is a healthcare practice that examines how the nervous system, brain, and body function together — not just whether they are structurally intact. Functional neurologists assess the efficiency, timing, coordination, and function of various brain networks and neural pathways and use targeted, non-invasive therapies to improve neurological performance. The goal is to identify areas of the brain or nervous system that are underactivated or dysregulated and restore more optimal function.

Traditional neurology primarily focuses on identifying structural lesions, diseases, or damage — tumors, strokes, demyelination, etc., and treats them with medications or surgery, typically. Functional neurology focuses on how the nervous system is performing and functioning in real time, even when imaging and standard lab work appear normal. Functional neurology focuses on the usage of non-invasive, holistic therapies that target the root-cause of dysfunction.

No, these two distinct terms are often confused. Functional Neurology: A healthcare approach focused on assessing, optimizing, and rehabilitating nervous system function and brain and body connection. Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): is a diagnosis — a recognized medical condition in which a person experiences neurological symptoms (tremor, paralysis, seizures, etc.) without a structural explanation. FND is sometimes treated by functional neurology practitioners, but the two terms are not the same.

Functional Neurology is practiced by a range of licensed clinicians who must complete a minimum of 350 to 500 post-doctoral clinic hours in a specialized program that usually takes place over the course of three (3) years. This post-doc program includes advanced training in neuroscience and neurological rehabilitation. However, to become a functional neurologist, one must have prior training as a doctor in the following fields: MD: Medical Doctor DO: Osteopathic Physican ND: Naturopathic Doctor DC: Doctor of Chiropractic Dr. Brown of Better Brain & Body completed her post-graduate studies with 350 hours of continuing education in Traumatic Brain Injury, 150 hours in Childhood Neurobehavioral Disorders (OCD, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc), and an additional 250 hours in Functional Nutrition. She trained at the distinguished Carrick Institute and spent numerous hours working directly with Dr. Carrick himself. Doctors must sit for an examination from the ACNB governing body, pass, and complete annual continuing education hours to hold their license and continue practicing.

Functional neurologists (FN's) typically work with complex neurological conditions. However, FN's may have sub-specialties based on their interests and education. You can see the list of conditions that Dr. Brown sees at Better Brain & Body. If a condition is not listed, please reach out to us, and we'd be happy to schedule you a consulation with Dr. Brown.

Functional neurology assessments may differ from clinic to clinic, but overall they are holistic in nature, and aim to capture the root-cause of dysfunction, not just symptom identification. You can check out Better Brain & Body's neurological examination here.