Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Testing: 7 Step Neurological Exam Protocol
Better Brain & Body utilizes seven advanced diagnostic testing technologies. This exam may be different from what you have experienced before. Firstly, we look at the whole of a person, brain, and body, using cutting-edge equipment that measures brain processing speeds, eye movement patterns, changes in balance down to a 100th of an inch, brainwaves, and other elements of brain activity, including the health of certain brain regions. We assess the brain's timing, coordination, and rhythm down to the millisecond and much more below. You can expect an in-depth exam that seeks to identify the root causes of your symptoms, rather than symptom management alone. This comprehensive, two-hour analysis is designed to assess various facets of brain-body health and performance and identify potential areas of dysfunction.
After the neurological exam, Dr. Brown, the lead doctor at Better Brain & Body, reviews all findings in a follow-up "Report of Findings" appointment and discusses the results and (applicable) diagnoses. This comprehensive report will also be emailed to you with all test results. Based on the test results, your goals, wants, how you feel, etc., Dr. Brown will construct a personalized and comprehensive action plan to optimize your brain-body health and performance and applicable condition(s). Please contact our front desk or speak with our team at your neurological exam appointment to schedule your Report of Findings appointment.
Please click on any of the diagnostics below to navigate and understand each of our seven diagnostic tools:
An Important Note on Our Diagnostics:
Often, we see patients who have been left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed along their healthcare journey. This can occur for many reasons, but a common one is symptom-only care-- treatments or tests that focus on managing or identifying symptoms. At Better Brain & Body, we take a different approach. Our diagnostic tools are known as Functional Assessments, which are grounded in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) testing. These tests are designed to evaluate how systems in the brain and body are functioning in real time, not just how they look, as is the case with Structural Testing. For example, our QEEG brain map from BrainView is a functional test that evaluates the dynamic processes of the brain, including brainwave patterns, connectivity, and activity levels, to see how it is working from moment to moment. Functional diagnostic testing (the QEEG in this case) assesses neurological function, analyzes deregulation, and evaluates real-time brain performance, giving a possible window to identifying root causes. Structural exams like CT scans or X-rays capture physical appearance and produce static images of brain or body anatomy to identify physical damage or other abnormalities. Structural assessments have their place, but they are not performed at Better Brain & Body.
BrainView QEEG
BrainView is an advanced diagnostic tool that measures and maps brain activity to help identify issues affecting mental and cognitive performance. Using a technology called QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography), BrainView records brainwaves and compares them to an extensive database of healthy brain patterns. This allows us to see how well different brain areas are functioning and spot signs of conditions like anxiety, ADHD, concussions, TBI, or cognitive decline. It's non-invasive, FDA-cleared, and provides valuable insights that help guide personalized treatment and performance improvement plans. For athletes, this tool can be used before and after the season to track changes in brain function. In contact sports, a QEEG brain map provides a baseline that helps guide treatment and recovery in the event of a concussion, supporting a safe return to peak performance.
BrainView Markers
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Brainwave Activity (EEG/QEEG): Tracks key brainwave patterns linked to attention, mood, memory, and stress.
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Cognitive Performance: Assesses focus, processing speed, reaction time, and decision-making ability.
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Emotional & Mental State: Evaluates markers related to anxiety, fatigue, and burnout.
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Brain Connectivity & Balance: Measures communication between brain regions and overall neurological function.​
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Baseline Brain Health: Establishes a reference point for monitoring changes, especially before and after injury or concussion. Can detect functional insights that CT/MRI scans may miss in cases of concussion/TBI.
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Athletic Brain Insights: Helps track brain function pre- and post-season, guide recovery, and support peak performance.
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Preventative Testing: Measures memory and provides early detection of dementia up to 15 years before symptoms start.
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Brainwave Analysis: Analyzes brainwave health and function, providing a detailed diagnostic report.
Example of BrainView Report
RightEye Eye-Tracking Test
RightEye uses advanced, non-invasive sensors to precisely monitor and analyze eye movements in real time. RightEye captures at high-speeds imperative elements of visual/brain performance including, visual tracking, brain processing speed, visual acuity, spatial awareness, depth perception, and visual endurance. RightEye is used as part of our full neurological exam, however, it can also be used as a therapy for athletic performance brain training.
RightEye Markers
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Objective, non-invasive eye tracking: Captures functional measurements related to visual, neurological, and cognitive function.
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Visual/NeuroVisual Testing:
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Functional Vision Assessment​
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Brain Health/Concussion Screening
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Sports Vision Performance Testing
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While the following tests above have differing testing parameters, we primarily utilize the Functional Assessment, unless otherwise requested. ​
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Overall, together these tests analyze functional measurements, including:
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Fixation Stability, Horizontal & Vertical Saccades, ​Near Point of Convergence, Depth Perception, Circular, Horizontal, & Vertical Smooth Pursuits, Binocular Vision, Six Cardinal Gaze Testing.
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Eye Speed, Dynamic Visual Acuity, Object Tracking, Choice Reaction Timing, Static & Dynamic Visual Acuity, Contrast Sensitivity, Decision-Making, Smooth Pursuits & Saccades.
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VitalScan Autonomic Testing
VitalScan's ANS+ system offers comprehensive, non-invasive testing of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), providing valuable insights into conditions like POTS and Dysautonomia in 15 minutes, while assessing cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological health. This FDA-cleared device is designed to assist diagnosing and monitoring various conditions related to autonomic dysfunction, including POTS Syndrome, Dysautonomia, and Vasovagal Syncope. ​ The brain and body perform thousands of tasks daily without your conscious awareness. The Autonomic Nervous System is one example of a system that typically performs its own tasks. The ANS aims to create an equilibrium between its two branches: The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), "fight or flight," and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), "rest and digest". However, sometimes the ANS doesn't work correctly, like in the case of POTS Syndrome. Both of these branches working in tandem are crucial for health. While the fight-or-flight system (SNS) often receives a bad reputation on modern social media, it is essential for proper human functioning. But if the body spends too much time in fight or flight mode, when you're resting on the couch, for example, it can lead to chronic stress. Rather, during periods of rest, it is crucial to have the PNS activated, so the body can recover and relax. It's imperative to understand how the ANS and its branches function, as well as the essential equilibrium that must be maintained between the SNS and PNS.
VitalScan Markers
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Monitoring HRV (Stress & Recovery): HRV indicates how effectively the nervous system balances stress, helping to prevent chronic fatigue and injury. Some wearables, such as Oura Ring and Apple Watch, measure HRV, but their accuracy may not be as effective.
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Higher HRV is generally a sign of a well-recovered, resilient nervous system (especially your parasympathetic “rest and digest” system).
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Lower HRV can indicate stress, fatigue, overtraining, or that your body is under strain and not recovering well (sympathetic "fight or flight" system).
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Orthostatic Response: Assesses how the body reacts to changes in posture, helping to identify disorders such as orthostatic hypotension and POTS.
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For POTS patients, VitalScan provides an objective data-driven readout of common diagnostic tests, such as the standardized tilt-table test. After your exam, Dr. Brown will review your results, and our team will send you the detailed report.
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Vascular Function: Measures arterial stiffness and peripheral circulation through Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI).
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Sudomotor Function: Vital Scan tests sweat gland activity to detect small fiber neuropathies via methods such as QSART and Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR).​
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Optimizing Training Load (Athletes): Autonomic data guides when to push hard or rest, reducing overtraining and the risk of overburdening.
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Assessing Cardiovascular Health: Vascular tests provide valuable insights into endurance and overall health, offering early detection of conditions like Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
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Early Indication Testing: Sudden Death, Silent Heart Attack, Hypertension, Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy, Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, Vascular Abnormalities, Orthostatic Hypotension, Syncope.
Interactive Metronome (IM)
Interactive Metronome is a computerized tool that measures and improves the brain’s timing and coordination by having individuals perform movements in sync with a rhythmic beat. It provides real-time feedback and records how accurately the person responds, testing factors like attention, motor control, and cognitive processing. As a diagnostic tool, it helps identify timing-related deficits often seen in conditions like ADHD, brain injuries, stroke, and tracks progress over time to support personalized treatment and training plans. Interactive Metronome serves as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic intervention. This technology is often used during treatment to enhance the same markers it tests for.
Interactive Metronome Markers
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Baseline Timing & Coordination Assessment: IM measures how accurately a person syncs movements (like claps or taps) to a beat sound or metronome, calculating average timing error and consistency in milliseconds with precise neuro-motor timing data.
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Identifying Functional Performance: Timing errors may signal challenges with attention, motor planning, sequencing, or processing speed.
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Quantifiable Tracking Over Time: IM establishes a clear baseline, tracking progress and monitoring recovery.
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Comparing Across Populations: IM utilizes large datasets to compare performance against age-based expectations.
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Timing Accuracy: Timing is crucial for coordinated movement and cognition.
IM can also be used as a therapy. Here are the benefits:
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Timing Accuracy: Precision in syncing movements to a steady beat, critical for coordination and rhythm.
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Motor Planning and Coordination: Ability to sequence and control movements smoothly and efficiently.
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Reaction Time: Speed of response to stimuli, enhancing quick decision-making.
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Attention and Focus: Sustained concentration during repetitive or complex tasks, supporting mental endurance.
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Processing Speed: How quickly the brain processes information and translates it into action.
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Balance and Rhythm: Improved body control and flow, which supports fluid bodily movements.
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Consistency Under Stress: Maintaining timing and coordination during fatigue or high-pressure situations.
VOG (Video-Oculography) Testing
VOG is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that evaluates balance disorders (including vestibular dysfunction), dizziness or vertigo, tinnitus, and nystagmus. It utilizes infrared lighting to analyze eye movements/patterns in the dark, capturing a clear picture of precise eye movements and evaluating functional vision issues that the naked eye cannot detect. Testing eye movements allows us to assess the integrity of all areas of your brain. During this test, the patient will view a screen with various objects moving in differing patterns, measuring eye movements down to the millisecond that are related to different brain areas, including the brainstem, cerebellum, and more.
VOG Markers
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Oculomotor Tests: Examines eye movement control using tasks like:
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smooth pursuit (tracking moving targets)
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saccades (fast eye jumps between points)
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optokinetic response (reflex to moving visual stimuli)
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Positional Tests: Detects abnormal eye movements triggered by changes of head position.​
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Spontaneous and Focused Nystagmus Tests: Evaluates eye movements while sitting still or focusing on specific angles.​​
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VNG may help diagnose: Vestibular dysfunction and balance disorders, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, Central nervous system disorders, unexplained motion sensitivity.
CAPS/CDP Balance Assessment
Computerized Assessment of Postural Systems (CAPS) or Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) is a diagnostic tool that assesses balance down to a 100th of an inch (0.1 inches). Your vision, vestibular system, and somatosensory system each play a role in governing balance. A CAPS test extensively measures the health and functionality of each of these systems. For example, during the test, you will be standing on a computerized platform right above the floor. Eight tests will be performed. For example, standing on a cushion on the platform, you will look in different directions with open and closed eyes, while also turning your head in different directions. Dr. Abi runs the diagnostic testing at our clinic and will carefully walk you through each portion of this exam.
CAPS or CDP Balance Test
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Objective Data: This test provides objective data on your balance, without relying on subjective evaluations.
- Identifies Source of Imbalance: Differentiates whether balance issues stem from Visual, Vestibular, or Somatosensory System.
- ​Visual System: The visual system is responsible for recognizing our external environment. It gives us spatial awareness and allows us to track the location of objects. ​
- Vestibular System: Located in the inner ear, this system has nothing to do with hearing, rather it helps govern your balance and awareness of your body in space (proprioception). It's like a sensor that coordinates your movements.
- Somatosensory System: This system is responsible for processing sensory stimuli from our skin, joints, and tissues, like when walking on the ground.
- Clarifies Complex or Uncertain Balance Issues: Gives insightful data when patients report uncertain issues with balance and dizziness.
- Fall Risk Assessment: Can indicate if a patient is at more risk of future falls.
- Broad Condition Analysis: Can help pinpoint balance issues for various conditions, including Parkinson's, TBI/Concussion, MS, vestibular dysfunctions, and more.
- Measurement of Postural Response: Records how the patient shifts weight, responds to instability, controls postural alignment, and measures if compensation is occurring.
- The Test: Patient will stand barefoot on and off a cushion, and perform a series of head positions with eyes open and closed at the direction of the exam coordinator, Dr. Abi.
Our Virtual Reality therapy system Virtualis, also has built in CDP & CAPS assessment. However, the official diagnostic exam uses the plate featured in the video above. Learn more about Virtualis as a therapeutic modality.
Standard Physical Exam
Dr. Brown performs a standard physical exam which includes a gait analysis, primitive reflex testing, and sensory-motor system analysis.
Complimentary Test: Qest 4 Bioenergetic Testing
The Qest 4 Bioenergetic Scan is a non-invasive holistic health tool that assesses energetic imbalances in the body. It works by sending low-level energetic signals through hand held sensors, measuring the body's energetic responses--this response is then compared to a database of over 40,000 "energetic signatures" related to organs, toxins, emotions, and more. While Qest bioenergetic testing does not diagnose or treat conditions nor replace diagnostic testing of any kind, we utilize it as complimentary tool that gives insight for potential homeopathic remedies that may assist in the balancing of one's energetic health. At Better Brain & Body, we take pride in offering a truly integrative approach that combines functional neurology, neuroscience, and holistic modalities to create a comprehensive health and wellness experience. Rather than relying on a single clinical framework, we combine the strengths of both conventional and holistic practices. Some of the tools we use, such as Qest Bioenergetic medicine, may not yet have extensive validation through conventional scientific channels. However, it's important to remember how science has evolved. Many holistic health approaches have been used effectively for centuries like Acupuncture, for example. This holistic health modality was once dismissed as holistic pseudoscience. Today, it's recognized and utilized in clinical settings, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and recommended by the World Health Organization. It wasn't until people and veterans started using this modality in holistic settings and reporting anecdotal benefits for conditions like chronic pain and PTSD that it began to become more mainstream. In fact, acupuncture is now being studied in costly clinical trials which already show promising results. This evolution reminds us that yesterday's "pseudoscience" can become tomorrow's accepted medicine. While we do not offer acupuncture, we do offer holistic modalities like bioenergetic medicine, but as supportive tools that (may) offer a benefit. We are always transparent about what these holistic methods may and may not do, managing expectations and ensuring a clear understanding of our blended approach to care. Note: Qest Bioenergetic Testing is complimentary with the full neurological exam only.
Qest 4 Markers
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Comprehensive Energetic Evaluation: Uses bioenergetic feedback (skin) to assess the body's energetic health across multiple systems.
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Customizable Testing: Tailor assessments to individual wellness goals, ranging from mood to sleep to organ function.
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Comparitive Data: Qest compares a person's energetic health to a database of 40,000 frequencies, ranging from toxins, emotions, organs, allergens, food sensitivities, and more.
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Integrates Homeopathic Remedies: Helps determine which natural remedies, like homeopathic tinctures or supplements, resonate energetically with the body.
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Holistic Health Overview: Provides a big picture, energetic blueprint of a person's energetic health.
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Chakra/Meridian Balance Screening: Evaluates out-of-balance chakras and energy centers, aiding energetic alignment.
If you're looking for a deeper dive into Qest4 Bioenergetic Testing, check out our in-depth blog post or click the Schedule Appointment button at the top of your screen to easily schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Brown to learn all about this innovative holistic tool. ​Please note, Qest4 is included as a complimentary holistic scan during our full diagnostic exam, alongside the technologies above.