OUR UNIQUE NEUROMETABOLIC APPROACH ALLOWS US TO GET THE SOLUTIONS YOU NEED
We combine a proven system of Functional Neurology and Functional Medicine for our treatment protocols. The end product is a patient-specific, comprehensive solution that doesn't rely on the use of drugs or surgery.
Functional Blood Chemistry Evaluations
Blood chemistry evaluation is a very effective tool for the doctors at our office to screen and identify imbalances in body metabolism. It serves as an inexpensive way to assess major bodily functions. We are able to provide our patients with sound recommendations, screen for health issues, and monitor changes as necessary.
There are two main types of ranges in the field of blood chemistry analysis: a pathological range and a functional range. The pathological range is used to diagnose disease; the functional range is used to assess risk for disease before disease develops. The references that are provided with laboratory test results are referred to as “the pathological range”, because if the results are out of range, it indicates potential for pathology or disease. Looking at blood results from a functional range allows us to discover patterns of dysfunction and treat them before they become a serious problem. These include cholesterol/triglycerides, Insulin Resistance/Metabolic Syndrome/Syndrome X/Pre-diabetes, thyroid function, inflammation, Methylation, Hypoglycemia, digestive issues, Iron deficiency, Gall Bladder dysfunction, Kidney function, Immune function, Anemias, Infections, etc.
Healthy people have blood chemistry findings that fall within a fairly narrow range. Significant deviations from the optimum range may indicate a variety of poor health conditions.
We encourage all of our patients to undergo a functional blood chemistry evaluation so that:
Blood chemistry evaluation is a very effective tool for the doctors at our office to screen and identify imbalances in body metabolism. It serves as an inexpensive way to assess major bodily functions. We are able to provide our patients with sound recommendations, screen for health issues, and monitor changes as necessary.
There are two main types of ranges in the field of blood chemistry analysis: a pathological range and a functional range. The pathological range is used to diagnose disease; the functional range is used to assess risk for disease before disease develops. The references that are provided with laboratory test results are referred to as “the pathological range”, because if the results are out of range, it indicates potential for pathology or disease. Looking at blood results from a functional range allows us to discover patterns of dysfunction and treat them before they become a serious problem. These include cholesterol/triglycerides, Insulin Resistance/Metabolic Syndrome/Syndrome X/Pre-diabetes, thyroid function, inflammation, Methylation, Hypoglycemia, digestive issues, Iron deficiency, Gall Bladder dysfunction, Kidney function, Immune function, Anemias, Infections, etc.
Healthy people have blood chemistry findings that fall within a fairly narrow range. Significant deviations from the optimum range may indicate a variety of poor health conditions.
We encourage all of our patients to undergo a functional blood chemistry evaluation so that:
- We can determine which nutritional products are specific for your individual, personalized health needs.
- We can design and implement a nutritional program to restore your body to its natural, healthy state.
- We can provide early detection of potentially life-threatening health conditions.
- We can keep you from spending money on nutritional products that you do not need.
We do not subscribe to one-size-fits-all types of plans for our patients
Within our unique approach, we utilize the following diagnostic equipment and rehab techniques:
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Neuroendocrine Immune Assessment
The ability of the brain to control the endocrine system is evaluated in depth by our office. Assessment of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are at times necessary and all of the metabolic factors that can disrupt it's control over the entire endocrine system. We will evaluate the regulation of the HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) HPT Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis) and the HPG Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis) and how they each may be affecting your thyroid, pancreas, blood sugar levels, liver health, adrenal gland health, sleep/wake cycles, stress levels, hormone regulation, etc.
Neuro-Immunological Testing
Since our office specializes in dealing with chronic, unresolved neurological and painful health conditions we take every measure to find the root cause of your condition. At times, the immune system is a main culprit into the reason why you're continually sick. Neuro-immunological testing is used to discover why you may be still suffering from an old illness or why you seem to always be sick and have neurological symptoms that don't correlate to imaging like an MRI or CT scan. We look into the relationship between antibodies and neurological structure and their function as well as the importance of how your brain can impact normal immune function.
Male/Female Hormonal Assessment
Through the laboratory measurement, we have the capability to evaluate male and female hormonal function. This measurement gives us a comprehensive picture of your menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, suppressed libido, athletic performance problems, depression, etc.
The ability of the brain to control the endocrine system is evaluated in depth by our office. Assessment of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are at times necessary and all of the metabolic factors that can disrupt it's control over the entire endocrine system. We will evaluate the regulation of the HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) HPT Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis) and the HPG Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis) and how they each may be affecting your thyroid, pancreas, blood sugar levels, liver health, adrenal gland health, sleep/wake cycles, stress levels, hormone regulation, etc.
Neuro-Immunological Testing
Since our office specializes in dealing with chronic, unresolved neurological and painful health conditions we take every measure to find the root cause of your condition. At times, the immune system is a main culprit into the reason why you're continually sick. Neuro-immunological testing is used to discover why you may be still suffering from an old illness or why you seem to always be sick and have neurological symptoms that don't correlate to imaging like an MRI or CT scan. We look into the relationship between antibodies and neurological structure and their function as well as the importance of how your brain can impact normal immune function.
Male/Female Hormonal Assessment
Through the laboratory measurement, we have the capability to evaluate male and female hormonal function. This measurement gives us a comprehensive picture of your menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, suppressed libido, athletic performance problems, depression, etc.
Our Unique Evaluation and Rehab Tools
Diagnostic Testing
Many of our clients come to us because they’ve been unable to find relief for their symptoms, despite undergoing multiple tests and physical examinations. Traditional diagnostic tools are often ineffective in detecting certain illnesses and conditions. At NeuroHealth, we use a variety of advanced diagnostic tests to pinpoint what’s causing our patients’ symptoms, so we can develop a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.
Many of our clients come to us because they’ve been unable to find relief for their symptoms, despite undergoing multiple tests and physical examinations. Traditional diagnostic tools are often ineffective in detecting certain illnesses and conditions. At NeuroHealth, we use a variety of advanced diagnostic tests to pinpoint what’s causing our patients’ symptoms, so we can develop a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.
Following is an overview of the types of testing we do in our office.
Video Nystagmography (VNG)
Dizziness, poor coordination or balance, and memory impairment are associated with a variety of medical conditions. Commonly, such symptoms are due to dysfunction of the vestibular (inner ear) system, or oculomotor nerve (which controls eye movement). We use a test called videonystagmography (VNG) to detect vestibular and oculomotor abnormalities. VNG is a non-invasive test in which we outfit patients with a set of infrared goggles that track eye movement. Based on specific types of eye movements, we can accurately diagnose disorders such as:
Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CAPS®)
Posturography is a non-invasive test used to quantify how well a person is able to control posture and balance. CAPS is a useful tool for detecting balance disorders, brain injuries, and other abnormalities. With posturography, we can also detect misalignments within the body, or postural habits that may be contributing to pain, instability, or lack of mobility.
Digital Motion X-ray (Fluoroscopy)
Digital motion X-ray technology captures 30 X-ray images of the body in motion, then pieces those images together to create a short “movie” – by viewing the X-rays in motion, we can identify soft tissue injuries that traditional X-rays and MRI scans often miss.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment tool. We use it to examine brainwave frequency and patterns, and if we detect abnormalities, we can use neurofeedback to “retrain” the brain. A computerized program – using auditory or visual cues – helps patients overcome brainwave disturbances associated with anxiety, mood disorders, memory loss, insomnia, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and seizure disorders.
Dizziness, poor coordination or balance, and memory impairment are associated with a variety of medical conditions. Commonly, such symptoms are due to dysfunction of the vestibular (inner ear) system, or oculomotor nerve (which controls eye movement). We use a test called videonystagmography (VNG) to detect vestibular and oculomotor abnormalities. VNG is a non-invasive test in which we outfit patients with a set of infrared goggles that track eye movement. Based on specific types of eye movements, we can accurately diagnose disorders such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – TBI may be the result of a physical event, or it may be the result of a gradual and worsening condition
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – This condition usually causes dizziness, nausea, and unsteadiness
- Vestibular neuronitis – Also called labyrinthitis, this is an infection of the vestibular nerve in the inner ear that causes acute vertigo, nausea, and vomiting
- Internuclear opthalmoplegia – A disorder that impairs lateral movement of the eyes
Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CAPS®)
Posturography is a non-invasive test used to quantify how well a person is able to control posture and balance. CAPS is a useful tool for detecting balance disorders, brain injuries, and other abnormalities. With posturography, we can also detect misalignments within the body, or postural habits that may be contributing to pain, instability, or lack of mobility.
Digital Motion X-ray (Fluoroscopy)
Digital motion X-ray technology captures 30 X-ray images of the body in motion, then pieces those images together to create a short “movie” – by viewing the X-rays in motion, we can identify soft tissue injuries that traditional X-rays and MRI scans often miss.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment tool. We use it to examine brainwave frequency and patterns, and if we detect abnormalities, we can use neurofeedback to “retrain” the brain. A computerized program – using auditory or visual cues – helps patients overcome brainwave disturbances associated with anxiety, mood disorders, memory loss, insomnia, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and seizure disorders.
TREATMENT TOOLS
Spinal Decompression
Pain in the back, legs, and extremities is often caused by compression of spinal nerves or discs. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that relieves pressure on the spinal nerves and discs through slow stretching. As the spine is stretched, inflamed muscles and irritated discs relax, restoring healthy blood flow throughout the spine.
Active Therapeutic Movement Device
The active therapeutic movement device – ATM2 – is an upright treatment table with supportive belts. The equipment allows us to reposition the body and find the optimum body movement patterns for reducing pain. This treatment is effective in relieving chronic pain, strengthening the spinal core muscles, and improving range of motion.
RPSS (Repetitive Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation)
The ability to sense pain, pressure, warmth, and vibration is regulated by the body’s somatosensory system. With repetitive peripheral somatosensory stimulation (RPSS), we use low-level electrical stimulation to restore function to damaged somatosensory systems, and to cranial nerves that regulate breathing, swallowing, heart rate, and other functions. This treatment is also effective in relieving anxiety and improving digestion.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
This therapy involves the use of electrodes to stimulate motor nerves in order to decrease pain, calm muscle spasms, and promote healing. Repetition of electrical muscle stimulation treatments has been shown to increase muscle strength and the efficiency of how muscles use oxygen, so this therapy is appropriate for both injury rehabilitation, and for athletes looking to improve their performance.
Concentrated Oxygen Therapy
The body needs oxygen to heal damaged tissue, maintain brain function, and create energy. Patients who are struggling to recover from injuries or illness may benefit from concentrated oxygen therapy, in which concentrated oxygen is delivered to the body via a small nasal tube.
Force Plate
A force plate can detect abnormalities in posture that may be contributing to pain or lack of mobility. It can also stimulate nerve receptors in the feet that in turn activate the cerebellum, leading to improvements in coordination, motor control, timing, spatial orientation, and memory.
Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser)
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) helps repair damaged nerves, using wavelengths of light to increase cellular energy and stimulate cellular function. Improvements in cellular function help with absorption of nutrients and protein-building.
ReBuilder (Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Therapy – PNRT)
The ReBuilder tool improves nerve function by detecting irregularities in nerve wavelength-communication, and generating electrical waves that correct those irregularities. This device reduces pain, stimulates blood flow, relieves numbness, and improves motor coordinations.
Neuro Sensorimotor Integrator (NSI)
This device helps in diagnosing and treating sensory processing disorders. The NSI consists of a large interactive touch screen that flashes a series of images. Based on how patients reach to the screen, we can determine the best course of treatment to correct issues such as poor hand-eye coordination, hypersensitivity to noise, and lack of impulse control. It’s an effective tool for treating behavioral and processing disorders in children.
Dynavision D2 ®
Discover Dynavision, the light-training reaction device, developed to train sensory motor integration through the visual system. The increased ability to receive visual stimuli, mentally process this information, then react to it with a motor response, has vast implications for human performance.
Designed for high performance athletics training, it was soon discovered as an incredible evaluation tool for head-injuries, concussions and visual field-deficits. This tool not only is limited to athletes and head injuries, but provides an effective therapy for those struggling with dementia/Alzheimer's, Stroke rehab, ADD/ADHD, Parkinson's, and many other neurodegenerative health conditions.
Interactive Metronome®
This is a cutting-edge neurological assessment and treatment tool that improves your underlying motor planning and sequencing ability. Clinical studies have shown that improving these fundamental areas lead to significant gains in a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges including attention, motor skills and coordination.
IM's game-like auditory-visual platform engages the patient and provides constant feedback at the millisecond level to promote synchronized timing in the brain. Exercises can be customized and involve a hierarchy of increasingly complex and precisely timed motor movements intertwined with gradually higher & faster cognitive processing, attention and decision-making. It is the only neuro-motor therapy tool that can be used successfully with all patients across the therapy spectrum, even those that require total hands-on assistance due to cognitive and/or physical impairments and those that are very young or elderly.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT is a method of delivering extra oxygen into the body by breathing oxygen while the body is under pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber.
When oxygen is breathed while the body is under pressure, the oxygen is dissolved into the liquid portion of the blood (blood plasma) causing greater saturation of blood oxygen levels.
The main benefits received are:
1) Decreasing pain and inflammation on the cellular level.
2) Enhanced tissue repair and regeneration - speeds the healing process.
3) Promotes the formation of new blood vessels - angiogenesis.
4) Promotes the formation of new nerve cells - neurogenisis
5) Products more energy (ATP) for your body to use, increasing your energy level.
Pain in the back, legs, and extremities is often caused by compression of spinal nerves or discs. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that relieves pressure on the spinal nerves and discs through slow stretching. As the spine is stretched, inflamed muscles and irritated discs relax, restoring healthy blood flow throughout the spine.
Active Therapeutic Movement Device
The active therapeutic movement device – ATM2 – is an upright treatment table with supportive belts. The equipment allows us to reposition the body and find the optimum body movement patterns for reducing pain. This treatment is effective in relieving chronic pain, strengthening the spinal core muscles, and improving range of motion.
RPSS (Repetitive Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation)
The ability to sense pain, pressure, warmth, and vibration is regulated by the body’s somatosensory system. With repetitive peripheral somatosensory stimulation (RPSS), we use low-level electrical stimulation to restore function to damaged somatosensory systems, and to cranial nerves that regulate breathing, swallowing, heart rate, and other functions. This treatment is also effective in relieving anxiety and improving digestion.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
This therapy involves the use of electrodes to stimulate motor nerves in order to decrease pain, calm muscle spasms, and promote healing. Repetition of electrical muscle stimulation treatments has been shown to increase muscle strength and the efficiency of how muscles use oxygen, so this therapy is appropriate for both injury rehabilitation, and for athletes looking to improve their performance.
Concentrated Oxygen Therapy
The body needs oxygen to heal damaged tissue, maintain brain function, and create energy. Patients who are struggling to recover from injuries or illness may benefit from concentrated oxygen therapy, in which concentrated oxygen is delivered to the body via a small nasal tube.
Force Plate
A force plate can detect abnormalities in posture that may be contributing to pain or lack of mobility. It can also stimulate nerve receptors in the feet that in turn activate the cerebellum, leading to improvements in coordination, motor control, timing, spatial orientation, and memory.
Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser)
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) helps repair damaged nerves, using wavelengths of light to increase cellular energy and stimulate cellular function. Improvements in cellular function help with absorption of nutrients and protein-building.
ReBuilder (Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Therapy – PNRT)
The ReBuilder tool improves nerve function by detecting irregularities in nerve wavelength-communication, and generating electrical waves that correct those irregularities. This device reduces pain, stimulates blood flow, relieves numbness, and improves motor coordinations.
Neuro Sensorimotor Integrator (NSI)
This device helps in diagnosing and treating sensory processing disorders. The NSI consists of a large interactive touch screen that flashes a series of images. Based on how patients reach to the screen, we can determine the best course of treatment to correct issues such as poor hand-eye coordination, hypersensitivity to noise, and lack of impulse control. It’s an effective tool for treating behavioral and processing disorders in children.
Dynavision D2 ®
Discover Dynavision, the light-training reaction device, developed to train sensory motor integration through the visual system. The increased ability to receive visual stimuli, mentally process this information, then react to it with a motor response, has vast implications for human performance.
Designed for high performance athletics training, it was soon discovered as an incredible evaluation tool for head-injuries, concussions and visual field-deficits. This tool not only is limited to athletes and head injuries, but provides an effective therapy for those struggling with dementia/Alzheimer's, Stroke rehab, ADD/ADHD, Parkinson's, and many other neurodegenerative health conditions.
Interactive Metronome®
This is a cutting-edge neurological assessment and treatment tool that improves your underlying motor planning and sequencing ability. Clinical studies have shown that improving these fundamental areas lead to significant gains in a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges including attention, motor skills and coordination.
IM's game-like auditory-visual platform engages the patient and provides constant feedback at the millisecond level to promote synchronized timing in the brain. Exercises can be customized and involve a hierarchy of increasingly complex and precisely timed motor movements intertwined with gradually higher & faster cognitive processing, attention and decision-making. It is the only neuro-motor therapy tool that can be used successfully with all patients across the therapy spectrum, even those that require total hands-on assistance due to cognitive and/or physical impairments and those that are very young or elderly.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT is a method of delivering extra oxygen into the body by breathing oxygen while the body is under pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber.
When oxygen is breathed while the body is under pressure, the oxygen is dissolved into the liquid portion of the blood (blood plasma) causing greater saturation of blood oxygen levels.
The main benefits received are:
1) Decreasing pain and inflammation on the cellular level.
2) Enhanced tissue repair and regeneration - speeds the healing process.
3) Promotes the formation of new blood vessels - angiogenesis.
4) Promotes the formation of new nerve cells - neurogenisis
5) Products more energy (ATP) for your body to use, increasing your energy level.
our office offers a revolutionary and research-based approach with our patients that is unlike any other you've experienced…and it works!
The very first step in the process is our office performing a comprehensive health history review and in-depth functional neurological examination to determine if you are a good fit for our office. Find out how you can become a patient today.
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OUR DOCTORS
Dr. Ralston Dr. Gafken |
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Our Doctors |
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