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Functional Neurology in Hilton Head
Clinical neuroscience is the study of how the brain functions. and the development of applications or methods to treat brain dysfunction. Functional Neurology applies this knowledge to improve neurological function, by utilizing neurological therapies designed to enhance neuroplasticity…the brains ability to adapt and reorganize itself.
Dr. Saponara has been admitted into the American Board of Functional Neurology, is a Fellow of the American Board of Brain Injury and Rehabilitation, and Board Eligible in Vestibular Rehabilitation. He has over 2000 hours of clinical neuroscience, and is Carrick trained. This experience and knowledge allows him to see first hand the impact functional neurology can make in assessing and treating patients.
Commonly Treated Conditions
- Post Concussion Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Movement Disorders (Tremors, Dystonia)
- Balance Disorders (Vertigo, Dizziness,Ataxia,Fall Prevention)
- Long Haul COVID
- Attention Deficit Disorders
- Headaches ( Cluster,Migraine,Vestibular)
- Cognitive Challenges
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Brain/Sports Performance Optimization
- Depression/Anxiety
- Learning Disabilities
Customized Treatment Plans
Treatment plans are highly individual and specialized with no two patients alike, we gather the information primarily from an extensive neurological exam, from that point we determine what capacity the patient has to pursue any other adjunctive testing. Whether addressing cognitive function, motor skills, or emotional well-being, the approach is personalized to optimize your recovery.
If the patient is able, we then will get baseline Saccadometry/VOG/Posturography/Pupillometry/ Cambridge Cognitive Assessments, and again proceed accordingly to other baseline testing, as long as the patient can tolerate it, and not become fatigued, at which point we stop and evaluate. The NSI, D2, and other specialized neurological treatment protocols will be assigned based on the patients condition, and what they can and cant tolerate in the treatment/rehabilitative phases. These treatments can include any of the following stimuli, alone are combined, in many forms… visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, sensorial, manipulative, etc.
Functional Neurology Examination & Assessment
Using the results from your neurological exam and in conjunction with cutting edge diagnostic tools, Dr. Saponara is able to localize in on the region of the brain which isn’t functioning optimally, and design a treatment protocol to address the patients condition.
Cambridge Brain Sciences
As part of a our treatment program, it is standard practice to objectively check up on areas such as memory, attention, reasoning, and verbal ability—all cognitive abilities you need to function optimally in everyday life. CBS health accurately measures core elements of your cognitive function, including memory, attention, reasoning and verbal abilities, throughout the patients treatment plan. These tasks are highly engaging and gamified, and have been developed by leading neuroscientists over the last 25+ years, taken over 8 million times, and used in 300+ peer-reviewed studies of cognition.
Objectively measuring cognition is a standard practice at our clinic and a key facet of our patient care.
C3 Logix
Dr. Saponara has found this neurological assessment, designed at the Cleveland Clinic to address concussions and other neuro-degenerative diseases, to be so useful in assessing brain dysfunction that he has incorporated it into his practice. All patients will receive a free baseline assessment, as well as follow-ups as needed. Learn more»
Vestibular Technologies CAPS™ Machine – Balance Assessment
Using the Vestibular Technologies CAPS™ machine, Dr. Saponara will determine if you are at an increased risk of falling and if any balance problems are triggered by specific positions or activities that would otherwise go undetected. Posturography aids in determing the patients center of pressure(CoP), among other things. For more info click Learn more»
Saccadometry
Another helpful diagnostic tool is the Saccadometer, which is helpful in determining neuro-degenerative conditions by measuring eye movements. The instrument projects laser images and records how your eyes find and follow them. The saccadometer measures eye speed and latency and relays results to Dr. Saponara in real time.
VisualEyes™
VisualEyes™ Video Oculography or VOG is the proven technology for testing patients with dizziness and balance disorders. The binocular video goggles were designed for enhanced patient comfort and simplified use.
The continued use of these diagnostic tools allows Dr. Saponara to objectively measure your progress and make any necessary adjustments to enhance and speed you recovery.
Pupillometry
Pupillometry measures a response called the pupillary light reflex (PLR). This allows us to identify biomarkers that might be used in clinical diagnosis, treatment and decision-making for concussions, and other brain based conditions.
Types and Forms of Functional Neurology Treatments
Below is and example of some of the treatments we may perform on a patient. Again, these are not for specific for one condition, and treatment plans are very often combinations of the different treatment protocols mentioned below.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Treatment
The treatment of concussion and traumatic brain injuries are very dependent on the patients condition, mainly what can, and cant be tolerated before fatigue becomes a factor. Specific neurological therapies are used to aid the brain, improve it’s functionality through incorporating neuroplasticity, these appropriate neuroplastic changes allow your brain to accurately, and efficiently determine the appropriate motor, cognitive, or limbic response.
Accurate brain perception of the world surrounding us is the key to achieving optimal health, longevity, and most certainly sports performance. Good brain function enables us to become the most healthy, happy, intelligent , and of course successful human beings possible.
Dynavision D2 Treatments
- Incorporates Gross Motor Skills
- Progresses Neuro-Cognitive Abilities
- Expands Peripheral Awareness
- Trains Reaction Time
- Improves Functional Mobility
- Developer Enhanced Balance
Visual Training For Performance & Rehab
Improves Hand Eye Coordination
Learn more about how football teams utilize Dynavision for concussion management: http://www.si.com/edge/video/2015/12/17/football-teams-dynavision-concussion-management
Complex Movement Exercises
This type of therapy activates motor regions of the brain. It is specific, and performed on the side which is deficient, or dampens the area which is over-activated. They may include copying movements, mirror therapy, throwing/catching a ball, kicking/stopping a ball, pointing/tracing therapy. While these may seem simple or trivial, in a brain/body that has a functional deficit they are in fact very powerful forms of rehabilitation, as the specific movements have particular areas of the brain which they target.
Balance/Proprioception/Coordination Exercises
We utilize balance boards, balance platforms, and balance balls which increases activation of the cerebellar structures that control posture, head and eye yoked movements, and core stability. This therapy may be combined with other movement patterns such as ball throwing/catching, or complex movements of the extremities to target cortical and cerebellar brain structures.
NSI Treatments
The NSI machine is used to aid treatments using the following:
Saccadic Trainer Function- Useful in therapy for all patients to enhance eye-hand coordination, visual reaction time, central-peripheral integration.
Tactile Feedback- Uses the hand rather than a keyboard or laser pointer so the patient gets “real life” tactile and proprioceptive feedback
Hand Speed Function- Used in the Sports Vision Evaluation of Olympic athletes. Useful in therapy for Sports Vision both to measure and increase visual reaction time and hand speed
“Visual Search” Saccadic Function- Unlike saccadic procedures like the Hart Chart, the SNS Saccade 2 Function simulates real life where the majority of saccades are not to an anticipated fixed point in space, but rather to “unexpected” events in the environment.
Metronome Function- Helps all patients to enhance rhythm and timing and visual-auditory integration
Tachistoscope Functions- Helps to increase speed of both visual and auditory information processing and memory.
Ready to learn more? Contact our Hilton Head office today.