Dr. Michael Veselak, D.C., CFMP

Functional Neurology

What is Functional Neurology?

 

Functional Neurology is a specialty within the Chiropractic realm that deals specifically with the identification and treatment of the dysfunction of the nervous system.  We will use a combination of specific therapies including eyes exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, laser therapies, PEMF, infrared, vibration, nerve stimulators and various sensory activities to restore and regenerate nerve pathway dysfunction. This therapy is extremely beneficial for chronic and complex patients as it helps to improve function.

 

Simply stated, your brain controls nearly every aspect of your body. It is responsible for balance, muscle movement, anxiety, pain, sleep, hormones, digestion, respiration and heart rate.

 

Imagine what can happen if a part of your brain or nervous system is not functioning properly. The brain is extremely adaptive and will allow for compensatory patterns and behavior to maintain your function. However, this can cause side effects and can affect multiple parts of your body depending on which part of the brain is affected.  For example, it can disrupt your sleep, cause digestive issues such as SIBO, acid reflux or constipation.  It can cause vertigo, anxiety, and even increase your pain levels.

 

When we objectively measure the function of the brain and nervous system, we provide very specific treatment methods to improve the cause of the dysfunction.  

 

We strongly believe this addresses the root cause and symptoms tend to improve in a relatively short period of time.  It is very common for our patients to leave with a renewed sense of hope and optimism.

 

Dr. Michael Veselak spends a lot of time educating his patients on proper diet, lifestyle, home exercises. It is extremely important that all our patients actively participate in their care.  This will become a true partnership where we will listen to your complaints and concerns and provide our best recommendations.

 

Neuroplasticity

The brain is neuroplastic and will in fact change given the correct stimulus. Dr. Michael Veselak utilizes advanced techniques which incorporates vagal nerve stimulation, vibration therapy, sound, tone burst therapy, smell, eye exercises and integrative balance techniques to improve function of the various lobes of the brain.

Dr. Michael Veselak’s success rate is due to the fact that he treats all of his patients from a functional medicine perspective addressing the neurological, structural and metabolic aspects of each case.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is an integral part of our Brain Enhancement Program.  Following a brain map we will provide treatments to the brain to enhance communication within the brain as well as stimulate the waves of the brain, delta, theta, alpha and beta.  This therapy has proven to be very effective and safe. Our facility is Board Certified in Neurofeedback.

 

Conditions Frequent Treated With Brain Based Therapies

Brain based therapies have proven to be clinically effective for the following conditions:

 

Neuroplasticity and Brain Rehabilitation

 

We are continually learning more about the brain and how the nerves can regenerate.  This process is called Neuroplasticity.  For the most part this is very good, but it can all become plastic with negative behavior patterns which is not quite so good.  The body’s ability to regenerate neurons is what accelerated the field of Functional Neurology.  As we provide proper stimulus the brain can adapt and remodel and this is referred to as Neuroplasticity.

 

We use techniques in our office to help identify the dysfunctional or damaged part of the nervous system and then through specific exercise patterns can begin the reparation process.  

 

During your initial visit, we provide a thorough consultation and comprehensive neurological examination looking to identify the weakness. We are specifically trained to look for and identify the dysfunction without using a needle.  We evaluate your cranial nerves, the lobes of the brain by looking at eye movements, balance, posture, hand eye coordination and touch perception.

 

When we identify the dysfunctional pathways, we will provide proper stimulation to strengthen or to calibrate the brain to function properly and develop and reinforce the proper function and pathways.  We use stimuli such as laser therapy, high volt galvanic, vagal nerve stimulation, smell, vibration, and various exercise involving the eyes and the semicircular canals in the ears.  We emphasize proper balance as this requires proper calibration of the eyes, ears and cerebellum.

 

With neuroplasticity it is very important to perform exercises or movement on a repeated basis to enhance the neuronal connection and remodeling.  Most of these exercises are performed at home and do not require continued in office visits.

 

Studies have shown that the process of remodeling and Neuroplasticity takes a minimum of 3-4 months for the nervous system to make permanent change. Therefore, it is important that you continue your care with us at home as we monitor you on a monthly or bimonthly basis.  These re-exams help document objectively your improvement.

 

There are no two patients will progress at the same speed.  We have seen patients improve extremely fast and we have also witnessed some that have taken longer than anticipated. There are a lot of factors involved here such as stress, sleep, diet, genetics, environmental factors and compliance with the home therapy program.  The exams are to help us note your progress and modify any part of the treatment plan if deemed necessary.

 

In the beginning of therapy, we generally require intensive therapy so we can provide a framework for your home care and ultimately determine the root cause of the dysfunction. This intensive takes approximately 1-2 weeks at a frequency of 3-4 times per week.

 

We are accustomed to people traveling to initiate care with us.   In those situations, we will see the patient 2-3 x per day for 4-5 days.

Community Lectures

Dr. Michael Veselak has lectured extensively in his community on the Aging Brain and techniques utilized to preserve it. Dr. Veselak is currently a member of the International Academy of Functional Neurology Rehabilitation and is actively pursing his Diplomate in Functional Neurology.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How Do I Get Started and How long will it take?

 

We begin our programs with a minimum of a 4-5 day intensive.  During this week we perform a consultation, examination, and various testing to determine the area of dysfunction, the complexity of the problem, and the modalities and exercises needed to make improvement while at home.  

 

There will be re-exams performed monthly for a period of 6 months.

 

It takes 3-6 months to make lasting changes in the brain

 

Each patient will be provided a personalized home treatment plan. These recommendations are based on the findings of our exam.  Dr. Veselak will be monitoring your progress through re-evaluations and ongoing correspondence.  At times modifications are necessary to maximize improvement.  It is estimated the number of visits within the six-month period following the intensive is 6-12 visits.

 

What can I expect on the initial visit?

 

The initial visit generally lasts 2-3 hours, with a slight break during that time.  Following the consultation, we perform various diagnostic tests to include eye movement with Vestibular First, Brain Map, Comprehensive Neurological Exam, Balance Testing.  On that first visit we will often begin to put the clinical picture together and educate you on your condition. We will provide education on diet, exercise, sleep, lifestyle, stress, breathing.   Brain based therapy and in house modalities will be utilized to begin the first phase of treatment.

 

WHAT IS THE COST?

 

The average cost for a 3–6-month plan is between $2600- $4500.  This is determined by the amount of times Dr. Veselak will want to see you within the 3–6-month period and what therapies and treatment protocols he will recommend.  Following the first visit we will clearly outline the costs and payment options.

DOES MY INSURANCE COVER TREATMENT?

 

We are not providers of any insurance except Medicare, and they do not cover any of the costs associated with this type of treatment.

 

WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT OPTIONS?

 

Patients pay in cash, check, credit card or HSA accounts.  At the time of your initial booking, we do require a $500 security deposit. This will be applied towards your initial visit and your first week of appointments.  If this appointment is not cancelled within 72 hours, it will be non-refundable.

 


 

 

 

 

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