When it comes to understanding what’s really going on in the body, conventional medical tests often focus on structure—like bones or organs. But at Hood Health & Wellness, we believe true healing starts by assessing function. That’s why we offer functional neurological exams, a powerful tool that helps us evaluate how your brain, nerves, and muscles are working together in real time.
This exam gives us critical insight into your nervous system, allowing us to detect imbalances, nerve dysfunction, and coordination issues that may be contributing to chronic pain, fatigue, or other unresolved symptoms. So, what exactly is a functional neurological exam, and why might you need one? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Functional Neurological Exam
1. Looking Beyond Structure to Function
Unlike traditional neurological exams that look for obvious damage (like a stroke or injury), a functional neurological exam assesses how well your nervous system is communicating with your body. It evaluates:
- Reflexes and muscle strength
- Balance and coordination
- Posture and gait
- Eye movements and visual tracking
- Brain-body connection and response time
This type of assessment helps us pinpoint subtle dysfunctions that could be affecting your health—even before serious conditions develop.
2. A Whole-Body Approach to Nervous System Health
The nervous system controls every function in your body—from movement to digestion, sleep, and healing. If something is off neurologically, it can show up as a wide range of symptoms. Our chiropractic care and regenerative therapies are tailored to restore nervous system balance and improve function naturally.
Why a Functional Neurological Exam Matters
1. Detects Hidden Imbalances Early
You don’t have to wait until something “breaks” to benefit from a neurological exam. Many functional issues—like poor balance, dizziness, brain fog, or muscle weakness—can be signs of a deeper neurological dysfunction that deserves attention now.
2. Supports More Precise Treatment Planning
By understanding exactly which areas of your nervous system are underperforming, we can tailor your care plan more effectively—whether it includes adjustments, regenerative therapy, posture correction, or lifestyle recommendations.
3. Tracks Progress Over Time
We often perform this exam before and after treatment phases to assess improvements in nerve function, coordination, and responsiveness. It helps us measure your progress and optimize your results.
Who Can Benefit from a Functional Neurological Exam?
- Chronic Pain Sufferers: Identifies nerve interference and muscle imbalances
- Patients with Brain Fog or Fatigue: Assesses cognitive and neurological function
- Children with Developmental Concerns: Evaluates reflexes and motor coordination
- Athletes: Improves balance, focus, and neurological performance
- Seniors: Supports fall prevention and brain health
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a functional neurological exam painful?
No, it’s completely non-invasive and typically includes physical assessments, balance testing, reflex checks, and movement evaluations.
How long does the exam take?
Most exams take 20–30 minutes and are part of your initial evaluation or progress checks.
Do I need this exam even if I feel okay?
Yes. Many neurological imbalances go unnoticed until they cause bigger problems. This exam helps detect issues early—before they turn into chronic pain or functional limitations.
How do I schedule one?
Simply contact us to request an appointment. We’ll guide you through the process and let you know if a functional neurological exam is right for your situation.
Conclusion
At Hood Health & Wellness, we believe that better outcomes come from better diagnostics. A functional neurological exam offers a deeper look at how your nervous system is working—not just how things appear on the surface. Whether you’re dealing with chronic symptoms or simply want a proactive evaluation, this exam can provide the insights needed to unlock true healing.
Schedule your exam today and take the first step toward understanding and improving your brain-body connection.
