Functional Neurology for Spinal Cord Injury: Unlocking Neuroplasticity for Maximum Recovery
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event that disrupts communication between the brain and body, resulting in motor, sensory, and autonomic impairments. At our clinic, we harness the power of functional neurology and cutting-edge neurorehabilitation to optimize recovery by promoting neuroplasticity and restoring neural pathways above and below the injury site.
We don’t just manage SCI symptoms — we focus on rewiring the nervous system to maximize function and independence.
Understanding SCI: More Than Just a Physical Injury
SCI impacts not only voluntary movement and sensation but also the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls vital functions like blood pressure, bladder and bowel control, temperature regulation, and heart rate.
Traditional rehab often focuses on muscle strengthening and mobility aids, but:
- Neurological deficits above and below the injury level affect complex brain-body communication
- Disrupted sensory input leads to impaired motor planning and coordination
- Autonomic dysregulation causes secondary complications including orthostatic hypotension and spasticity
- Neuroinflammation and maladaptive plasticity can limit long-term recovery potential
Our Functional Neurology Evaluation
We perform a comprehensive assessment to identify intact and impaired neural circuits, including:
- Quantitative EEG (qEEG): Assesses cortical activity patterns and identifies compensatory brain network reorganization.
- Somatosensory and Motor Evoked Potentials (SSEPs & MEPs): Measures conduction through spinal pathways to gauge functional connectivity.
- Autonomic Nervous System Testing: Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure response, and sudomotor function tests to evaluate autonomic regulation.
- Proprioceptive & Vestibular Assessment: Determines sensory integration deficits that affect balance and spatial orientation.
- Functional Movement and Coordination Analysis: Identifies dysfunctional motor control patterns for targeted rehab.
Functional Neurology Treatment: Rebuilding Communication Pathways
Our individualized rehab protocols promote neural recovery through:
- Neuroplasticity-Driven Brain and Spinal Cord Stimulation: Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and non-invasive spinal cord stimulation enhance neural circuit remodeling.
- Sensory-Motor Retraining: Targeted exercises engage intact neural pathways to improve motor control, coordination, and proprioception.
- Autonomic Regulation Therapy: Biofeedback, respiratory retraining, and neuromodulation address orthostatic intolerance, bladder dysfunction, and cardiovascular instability.
- Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation: Improves spatial awareness and reduces fall risk by optimizing cerebellar and vestibular processing.
- Neuro-metabolic Support: Functional nutrition and mitochondrial support optimize cellular health and reduce neuroinflammation, enhancing recovery capacity.
Why Choose Functional Neurology for Spinal Cord Injury?
SCI recovery is often limited by conventional approaches that overlook brain-spinal cord communication and neuroplastic potential. Our functional neurology model:
- Maps neurological function with precision
- Targets brain and spinal circuits to promote adaptive plasticity
- Restores autonomic and sensory integration for improved quality of life
- Offers personalized, evidence-informed, non-pharmaceutical rehabilitation
Take Control of Your Recovery Journey
If you or a loved one has experienced spinal cord injury, don’t settle for plateaued progress. Unlock your nervous system’s full potential with our specialized functional neurology care.
Schedule a comprehensive evaluation today to explore how targeted brain and spinal rehabilitation can enhance your recovery.