QUESTIONS WE HEAR FROM PATIENTS
1. What is the difference between traditional neurology and functional neurology?
Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Lately, functional neurology is gaining momentum and acceptance as an authoritative treatment option for nervous system disorders to improve brain performance. Functional neurology is multi-disciplinary and includes chiropractic, optometry, audiology, psychology, conventional medicine, physical, and occupational therapies. It may also include diet and nutrition recommendations if there are metabolic deficiencies.
So, what is the difference between traditional neurology and functional neurology? The answer lies in the difference in treatment approaches. Conventional neurologists’ primary treatment protocols are pharmaceutical (drugs) and surgery. Functional neurologists believe that nervous system function changes with environmental stimulation. This concept is known as “neuroplasticity” and is the core of a functional neurologist’s clinical methodology.
Improving body functionality by finding the cause of dysfunction is the embodiment of what chiropractic physicians are trained to do. Thus, chiropractic physicians are a perfect choice when looking for someone to lead your functional neurology treatment team. Chiropractic neurologists undergo doctoral and post-graduate training and a rigorous certification process. This intensive training ensures a very high level of clinical efficacy.
The functional neurologist uses a variety of tools to stimulate the nervous system (sound, smell, vision, movement, balance, etc.). The doctor chooses among these modalities based on a variety of cutting-edge clinical assessment tools. When combined with specific diet and nutritional recommendations, when metabolic deficiencies are found, they yield powerful results.
If you are experiencing any neurological conditions such as memory loss, a cognitive decline, loss of the ability to focus or concentrate, or simply want to improve your brain performance to elevate yourself to the next level in your chosen profession, functional neurology is a wonderful tool to help you meet or exceed your goals and improve your quality of life.
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2. Is functional neurology a replacement for traditional medical care?
Absolutely not. Our care is not intended to be an alternative to treatment by a medical neurologist. Our services are complementary to medical care. We work closely with numerous medical providers, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, internists, and primary care providers. In many circumstances, we require you to be under medical care in order for us to take your case.
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3. Does functional neurology cure neurological diseases?
No. We cannot cure neurological diseases, or change the ultimate outcome for someone with a degenerative condition. We treat people, not their diseases. Our care is not designed to fix incurable conditions. Rather, our care is designed to improve function in the parts of the nervous system that still work in order to promote the best possible quality of life for our patients.
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When you develop a neurodegenerative disorder such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis, some nerve cells are unfortunately lost, and some pathways in the nervous system are irreparably damaged. There is nothing we can do to change that. However, when you have such a condition, we can often find ways to influence the remaining working parts of the nervous system to make them work better. We strive to take the pathways that still are healthy and precisely stimulate and exercise them, in order to make them more efficient, increase their endurance, and improve your ability to function in the world.
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4. How soon can I expect to see improvement?
People often experience some degree of immediate improvement in their symptoms after one treatment. In many cases, these changes are immediately felt. In some cases, these changes can be dramatic. It is not uncommon for us to be able to make symptoms improve significantly in real time. Usually these immediate improvements only last for a short period of time, however with more frequent stimulus we can usually create lasting change.
In most of our cases, the changes are smaller but build up over time. Our courses of care usually start by seeing our patients a 1-3 times per week for a few weeks, depending on the severity of the condition, followed by gradually decreasing how often we see then as they improve. Typically treatment lasts for 2-4 months, and we repeat all of the diagnostic tests a few times along the way to evaluate progress and change the exercises and stimulus as needed. When we have reached our maximum level of improvement, our patients may need to continue to perform some of their exercises in order to maintain the gains they have made.
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And in some cases, despite our best efforts, we cannot make a change. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that we can get you better, but we can guarantee that we will do everything we can to help.
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5. What makes his treatment approach so successful?
​His willingness to leave no stone unturned...to dig deeper and always ask "WHY?"
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For every patient looking for answers, Dr. Park investigates two sets of factors:
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Metabolic Malfunction
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Neurological Circuit Malfunction
Metabolic Malfunction means biochemical problems with ​the following:
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Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, Testosterone)
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​Infections (viral, yeast, fungal, bacterial, parasites)
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Gastrointestinal function (digestion, absorption, elimination, Leaky Gut, SIBO)
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Heavy metals (mercury, lead, nickel)​
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The Immune System (inflammation, autoimmunity, cytokines)
Dr. Park can determine which of these factors (if any) are playing a part in YOUR health problem, but not just find the problem. Dr. Park knows how to treat these issues naturally and effectively.
Dr. Park uses science-based Clinical Neurochemistry & Nutrition to treat this wide universe of Metabolic (biochemical) malfunctions ​.
Some patients will only need Metabolic Treatment to feel good and stay that way.
Other patients will have Neurological Circuit Malfunction that needs a ​unique kind of treatment to finally heal and feel good again.
Circuit malfunction means that certain areas of the brain such as the Frontal Lobe, Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia can literally become sick and start to misfire causing your symptoms.
Dr. Park thorough physical and functional neurological examination can identify these problems.
He uses Brain-Based Rehab and to specifically target malfunctioning brain areas and circuits. This Functional Neurological Rehabilitation uses modern clinical neuroscience principles to restore and improve Neuroplasticity.
To put it simply, "Neuroplasticity" means the Brain has the ability to heal, change and learn to be more efficient and effective. Harnessing this power through customized Functional Neurological Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery for some patients.
No matter which kind of problem YOU have...metabolic...neurological--or both--Dr. Park will be your personal detective and dig deep for the root cause and the fastest, most effective long term treatment for your problem.
Dr. Park continues to study and research in all areas of human physiology (Immunology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology etc). He has combined his life’s learning to create Brain-Based Rehab–a true breakthrough in helping neurological and metabolic disorders.
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6. Do you take insurance?
Our practice is not based on what insurance covers and there are non-insurance covered therapeutic procedures; However, we will try to provide you with a detailed billing summary that you may submit to your Health Care FSA or insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. Please contact us for more details.
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7. What are your rates?
This is a comprehensive approach to often complex health issues and therefore, the cost to address the root causes can vary for each person. Please contact us for details.
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8. Please contact us for Concierge care and Home Visit care.
If you are serious about your health and want solutions to the conditions you are suffering from, complaining about, or lacking an explanation for, we can help.
We will work with you to find the core element of your condition and help you find long-term solutions.
Call 703.992.8992