Why We Offer Functional Neurology

Dr. Joe filmed this video a couple of years ago after becoming one of Iowa's only Board-Certified Functional Neurologists. Listen in to learn more about what Functional Neurology is, how it works, and who it can help

The reason Dr. Joe and Dr. Sam began pursing their postdoctoral education in functional neurology back in late 2018 was because they saw so much mismanagement of concussions in the high school sports realm. This journey led them to incredible discoveries of all the conditions, well beyond just concussions, that this rehabilitative approach of neurology can help with.

To name a few:

• Eye-tracking and vision issues

• Balance

• Dizziness

• Unresolved headaches and other chronic pain

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (such as learning, behavior, + development struggles)

• Healthy aging/reducing cognitive decline

• Concussion

• Dysautonomia/long Covid

+More

What sets functional neurology apart from the type of neurology you'll find practiced at the hospital?

Functional neurology is rehabilitation based vs. pathological/disease based, focusing on physical, visual and cognitive components of neurology and application of the most current research emerging in neuroscience (instead of waiting 20 years for it to be put into a textbook).

Board-Certification Matters

Likely, you saw our announcement last summer about Dr. Joe receiving his board-certification in functional neurology. You may be thinking, "I've heard the term functional neurology thrown around recently, but I didn't realize not everyone is board-certified. Why does that matter?"

Pursuing board-certification in this specialty is not for the faint of heart - it's one of the most rigorous educational programs available for health providers. It's a three year postdoctoral specialty program with two board components - written exam and physical exam.

After board certification, doctors can pursue optional fellowships in specific neuroscience areas. Dr. Joe has completed two years of his concussion fellowship, as well as a year of advanced training in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr. Sam is studying for boards and plans to take them this year - wish him luck next time you see him!

I think functional neurology might be able to help me or someone I care about. What should I do?

New patients who call in are first scheduled with a Discovery Call with a doctor, which is absolutely free. This call allows our doctors to find out more about the patient and determine if they need Brain (functional neurology) or Body (physical rehab) care.

From there, if they desire to begin care with us, they are welcome to schedule either an in-depth neurological exam or more of a basic physical exam and proceed with treatment from there. Care recommendations and associated timeline and pricing pertinent to the type of care needed for their individual case will be shared with them along the way.

Once patients are done with their active treatment phase, we may be able to recommend a monthly care plan for them.

If you have any questions about functional neurology and if it’s a good fit for you, we invite you to call us to schedule a Discovery Call with a doctor, which is the process we’re taking all new patients through to determine if they are brain or body patients.