Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders are caused when the growth or development of the brain or nervous system is impaired. These disorders take many forms including ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, processing disorders and learning disabilities. At Carolina Functional Neurology Center, we strive to understand each child’s specific needs and neurodevelopmental concerns. We start with a neurological evaluation to understand where their development is currently and identify potential toxins that are contributing to the child’s symptomatology. We then create an individualized plan to bring about healing.
Primitive Reflexes
Primitive reflexes are part of our survival mechanisms in infancy to about 1-2 years of age. Almost all children (and adults) with neurodevelopmental, behavioral and learning disorders present with primitive reflexes that have not been integrated.
The most common reflexes we see in our patient population are moro reflex, rooting reflex, asymmetrical tonic neck reflex, symmetrical tonic neck reflex, spinal gallant reflex, tonic labyrinthine reflex and palmer grasp.
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​When any number of these reflexes are still present past 2 years of age, we know there is a faulty foundation for higher order functioning and a higher risk for development of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Moro Reflex – Hypersensitivity, poor impulse control, social and emotional immaturity
Rooting Reflex – Picky eater, oral fixation, speech and articulation problems
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex – Poor hand-eye coordination, handwriting difficulty, trouble crossing midline, poor visual tracking, reading and writing problems
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex – Poor posture, poor muscle tone, poor hand-eye coordination, inability to sit still
Spinal Gallant Reflex – Bedwetting, fighting, poor posture, concentration and memory problems
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex – Toe walking, poor balance, motion sickness, poor muscle tone, poor spatial orientation
Palmer Grasp – Difficulty with fine motor skills, poor manual dexterity, messy handwriting
Neurodevelopment Evaluation
A full neurological evaluation is needed to understand the individual needs of each patient when it comes to neurological rehabilitation. We start with a thorough evaluation to understand where development is currently, which includes examining posture, balance, vestibular function, eye movements, higher cortical functioning and reasoning. We then create an individualized plan to bring about healing.
Diagnostic Testing for Neurodevelopmental Disorders​
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Neurologial Exam
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Videonystagmography
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Video-oculography
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Computerized Posturography
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Neuro-Timing Evaluations
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Interactive Metronome Assessment
Neurodevelopmental Disorders Treatment
Neurodevelopmental treatment may include primitive reflex integration, neuromodulation, balance, eye movement and visual therapy, interactive metronome, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cognitive exercises, nutritional and supplement counseling, and more.
Through neurological rehabilitation, we are able to correct dysfunctions of the nervous system to greatly increase functionality and reduce symptoms. The goal of treatment is to support each child’s specific needs and neurodevelopment. Once this has been established, we strive to help them operate more efficiently and provide the brain with the foundation it needs to continue to improve and reduce symptomatology.
Common Treatment Methods for Neurodevelopmental Disorders​
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Neurological Rehabilitation
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Primitive Reflex Integration
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Vestibular Rehabilitation
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Interactive Metronome
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Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Nutritional Counseling
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Individualized Supplementation
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Red Light Therapy
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Eye Movement Therapy
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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
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Bemer Therapy
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Chiropractic Adjustments
