Many children live with neurodevelopmental disorders that can place them in a position of disability in their daily activities.Fortunately, improvement in their condition may be possible.  Functional neurology is based on the principles of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to create or reorganize the networks and connections of its neurons. Thus, any neurological problem has the potential to be improved.

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Treatments combine chiropractic care and functional neurology rehabilitation to improve the dialogue between the brain and the rest of the body and to create effective neurological pathways. Through fun activities and exercises and by integrating persistent primitive reflexes, we give precise activation to the brain, optimizing its functioning and performance and thus reducing neurological deficits. This natural adaptability can have radical effects on your child's life.

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HOW DOES FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY WORK?

 

Functional neurology (or chiropractic neurology) activates receptors throughout the body.Think of the 5 senses (vision, hearing, taste, touch, smell) and the proprioception and vestibular system. All these receptors establish a connection between our environment and our central nervous system, sending signals that travel through the nerves of our body.  Once these signals reach the brain, our brain processes them and makes a decision on the appropriate way to react and to create or reorganize the networks and connections of its neurons through neuroplasticity.

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THE CONCEPT OF NEUROPLASTICITY

 

A key concept in the understanding of functional neurology is "neuroplasticity". While brain capacities were once considered "fixed" or unchanging after full maturity, we now know that the opposite is true! Nerve connections in the brain are considered "plastic" because they can be formed or modified by sensory, motor, cognitive or emotional experiences. In addition, a nerve cell can develop connections with new neurons (synaptogenesis) and even extend to large areas (neuronal migration). Simply put, what you are exposed to can alter or rebuild your nervous system.

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PRIMITIVE REFLEXES

 

Primitive (or archaic) reflexes develop from the primitive part of the brain, the brain stem. These instinctive reactions of the infant, which originate in the central nervous system, serve to aid in the birth process, to ensure survival as well as to serve as practice of movement patterns and help establish a rewarding interaction with parents. In typical development, these reflexes are naturally inhibited in a sequential order during the first year, and replacement reflexes, called postural reflexes, appear. Postural reflexes are more mature response patterns that control balance, coordination, learning and sensory-motor development. The persistence of primitive reflexes can lead to developmental delays.

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Retention of primitive reflexes can be caused by a variety of factors. The birth process is a key factor in the integration of these reflexes. Therefore, a traumatic experience or a caesarean section can lead to reflex retention.  Other causes include falls, lack of time to play on the stomach, delayed or absent crawling, trauma and spinal subluxations. The good news is that the brain is a dynamic and constantly reconfiguring system! Thus, rehabilitation can improve many neurological problems, often with progressive and permanent success.

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As your child's condition improves, you will notice the positive impact that chiropractic and functional neurology bring to it. We look forward to providing quality care for your child.

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THE CARE

 

The initial assessment usually takes two hours. The purpose of this first visit is to establish a complete picture of the youth's condition.

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Interview: We ask specific questions about your child's condition and health history. These details are important in order to discover factors that may have contributed to the condition or that may affect the prognosis.

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Examination: We perform a complete series of postural, mobility, motor, orthopedic and neurological tests. We use high-tech instruments to quantify neurological functions or other tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. Based on these results, we are able to create an innovative treatment program designed to meet individual needs based on the specific functional neurological problem or deficit.

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Treatment programs are two-fold. The first component consists of rehabilitation sessions at our clinic and the second component consists of specific exercises to be done at home as an integral part of the treatment. Repetition is the key to success!

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Most of the treatments we provide have been used in health care for decades. The big difference is the way we apply them. Our results-oriented, research-based approach uses technology and our expertise to identify underperforming areas of the brain and facilitate the brain's natural ability to grow and change. Treatments and services are designed not only to relieve symptoms and improve function, but also to restore quality of life - all without the use of invasive procedures or medication.