This module covers the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the nervous system, focusing on neuronal development, function, and stability. Learners will explore key embryological models, such as the columnar and prosomeric models of cortical organization, and discuss the impact of early sensory input on neurological integrity. Clinical applications will be emphasized, providing a foundational understanding of manual and brain-based therapies for neurological conditions.

The neuromuscular system is essential for movement and stability. This module examines muscular development, structure, and communication with the central nervous system, ensuring coordinated movement control. Common neuromuscular disorders and primary myopathies will be reviewed, along with assessment techniques and diagnostic approaches. A neurological and physical medicine perspective on supporting patients with these conditions will also be explored.

Proper function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is essential for optimal human performance. This module explores the structural layout of the PNS and the most common clinical conditions affecting it, from compressive mono-neuropathies to complex metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Emphasis will be placed on diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols to effectively manage these conditions.

The spinal cord serves as the critical communication link between the brain and the rest of the body. While the vertebral column provides protection, it also makes the spinal cord vulnerable to various degenerative, traumatic, inflammatory, and vascular conditions. This module examines spinal cord structure and function, highlighting the impact of these conditions and their clinical management.

12 pairs of cranial nerves act and the final common pathways that allow direct access of the brain to its environment while allowing the brain direct control of systems vital to its survival. This module reviews the structure and function of each of the cranial nerves focusing on diagnostic testing and interpretations.  Common clinical entities will be discussed both from a diagnostic and management point of view.

The ocular motor system is that part of the CNS, which functions mainly in maintaining visual stability and controlling eye movements. It is made up of many brain areas that cooperate to stabilize images of interest on the high-acuity part of the retina. All these systems must funnel through the same final common pathway through the brainstem. This module discusses the structures of the brain and brainstem that produce various eye movements with focus on their central connectivity. Ocular examination techniques along with their diagnostic interpretations will be reviewed. The goal is to create individualized ocular rehabilitative strategies for each clinical entity observed.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS), formerly known as the vegetative nervous system, is a division of the nervous system that supplies smooth muscle and glands, and as a result influences the function of internal organs. Called the ANS for its unconscious regulation bodily functions it is critical in delivering fuel and nutrients throughout the nervous system.  This module discusses the central and peripheral components that make up the ANS and how breakdown in these systems lead to the development of various dysautonomia. Diagnostic, examination, and treatment applications will be explored when appropriate.  

The brain being incased within the bony cranium as surrounded by various structures that protect and support its function.  This module discusses those structures ranging from the skull’s sutures, meninges, vascular system, CSF, and supportive glial cells. Clinical disorders of these structures will be discussed with an emphasis on diagnostic and treatment applications.

Leonardo da Vinci while making wax castings of the human brain  back in 1504 was the first to and coin the term “cerebellum” (Latin for “little brain”) after identifying two small brain hemispheres tucked neatly under the relatively humongous left-right hemispheres of the “cerebrum” (Latin for “brain”).  This module explores the integrated structure and function of the cerebellum from its classical view in coordinating movement to its more progressive functional role in higher cognitive processing. Common clinical disorders will be discussed emphasizing diagnostic and treatment applications.

The vestibular system is one of the leading contributors to one’s sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance. It is responsible for providing our brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation. This module reviews in detail the structural components, central functional connectivity of the vestibular system. Assessment and management of the most common vestibular disorders will be discussed with emphasis focusing on non-pharmaceutical strategies.

Broca was first to describe the existence of a “great cerebral system” (Broca1) that encircled the limbus (or edge) of the hemisphere and thus, defined this area as the limbic lobe.  From that time forward the lobular sequentialization of the brain has been commonly used to define its structure.  In this module we explore the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain focusing on structure, function, and the common clinical condition seen with each lobe’s dysfunction.  

Broca was first to describe the existence of a “great cerebral system” (Broca1) that encircled the limbus (or edge) of the hemisphere and thus, defined this area as the limbic lobe.  From that time forward the lobular sequentialization of the brain has been commonly used to define its structure.  In this module we explore the Temporal and Limbic lobes of the brain focusing on structure, function, and the common clinical condition seen with each lobe’s dysfunction.  

According to the latest data from the CDC (2020) heart disease continues as the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States accounting for about 647,000 deaths  each year—that’s 1 in every 4 deaths. Understanding the contributors to heart disease is critical to its prevention.  In this module you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.  Emphasis will be placed on the central neurological structure governing these systems and how pathophysiology in those systems act as a comorbidity to the presence of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Examination and diagnostic techniques specific to these systems will be discussed and demonstrated as to develop better non pharmaceutical treatment and management strategies.

The National Institute of Health (2020) estimates 60 to 70 million people are affected by chronic digestive disease per year in the United states. It is also estimated that 43% of individuals suffer from intermittent digestive disorders.  Also, according to the NIH (2020) about 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems.  In this module you will learn the clinically important anatomy and physiology that is foundational to the understanding of the most common gastric and reproductive disorders.  Further the anatomy and physiology of the Brain-Gut Axis will be discussed from a gastric/reproductive disease centric point of view allowing clinicians a better understating of this very intimate relationship.  Examination techniques specific to these areas will be discussed and demonstrated to allow for the development of improved non-pharmaceutical management of these conditions

The prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain in the United States, as analyzed by the CDC in 2016 is estimated to affect 20.4% (50.0 million) of U.S. adults for chronic pain and 8.0% of U.S. adults (19.6 million) for high-impact chronic pain. It has been estimated that 1 in 6 American suffer from chronic headaches.  There appears to be a significant need for better treatment and management strategies. In this module you will learn the foundational neurological structures and pathways responsible for producing pain and those brain areas/structures that are critical in reducing the pain experience.  You will learn specific examination techniques that will allow you to assess the integrity of the brain’s pain modulatory centers. With that knowledge you will be shown specific treatment techniques to address the dysfunctional brain regions promoting one’s chronic pain.

The prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain in the United States, as analyzed by the CDC in 2016 is estimated to affect 20.4% (50.0 million) of U.S. adults for chronic pain and 8.0% of U.S. adults (19.6 million) for high-impact chronic pain. It has been estimated that 1 in 6 American suffer from chronic headaches.  There appears to be a significant need for better treatment and management strategies. In this module you will learn the foundational neurological structures and pathways responsible for producing pain and those brain areas/structures that are critical in reducing the pain experience.  You will learn specific examination techniques that will allow you to assess the integrity of the brain’s pain modulatory centers. With that knowledge you will be shown specific treatment techniques to address the dysfunctional brain regions promoting one’s chronic pain

here are seven basic movements the human body can perform, and all other movements are merely variations of these seven: Pull, Push, Squat, Lunge, Hinge, Rotation and Gait.   The creation of these seven basic movements is critical to human function and performance.   This module discusses the neurological mechanisms involved in the creation and coordination of movement.  You will learn about the main central structures involved in the creation of movement and how these seemingly independent nodes are significantly integrated together.  This module provides the foundational framework necessary for you to understand the pathologies involving the motor system. 

Approximately 28% of the US population including both men and women aged 50-89 suffer from some type of movement disorder.  Of that 15-20% are a result of the secondary effects of pharmaceutical management resulting in Tardive Dyskinesia.  Thus, there is a substantial need for a better understanding of the pathophysiology involved in the development and maintenance of some of the most common movement disorders affecting humankind.  In this module you will learn the anatomy and physiology of the main neurological structures involved in the pathogenesis inherent to all movement disorders.  You will also learn examination history taking and examination techniques to allow you to correctly define the movement disorder

The neurological examination and its understanding are foundational to the success of any applied patient treatment.   Being able to correctly navigate a patient’s history and overlay that history to an examination specific to a patient needs years of clinical study and practice.  This module is designed to provide you with the foundation necessary to build upon your skills to become an exceptional clinical interviewer and examiner.  This module will further teach you the skills necessary to navigate and interpret some of the most common advanced testing techniques utilized by practitioners incorporating a functional neurology paradigm in their practices.

Neurological rehabilitation is the term used to describe the treatment that patients receive after they have had a neurological injury, illness, or diagnosis of a long-term neurological condition. The World Health Organization’s definition of rehabilitation states “a set of measures that assist individuals, who experience or are likely to experience disability, to achieve and maintain optimum functioning in interaction with their environments” (WHO, 2011).  The module teaches you the core foundational principles in establishing a successful rehabilitation program addressing your patient’s specific needs. You will learn specific techniques to address specific areas of the nervous system and learn how to develop frequency and intensity strategies based upon an individual’s own metabolic capacity.

A combination of written case presentations and live case videos will be utilized to encompass the various neurological systems covered throughout the 800 series.  This is an interactive module that encourages participation in the form of questioning and ongoing critical discussion of the cases present.  The goal of this module is for each practitioner to feel comfortable and knowledgeable in the application of their own specific technique to the neurological condition/diagnosis presented.

This 3-day immersion program in clinical neurology has been designed to serve as a review and update on new materials and applications for those clinicians who are board-certified in neurology.   This program provides the annual specialist educational requirements necessary to maintain active status as a neurology diplomate/fellow.  It has also been designed to serve as a review of current materials to assist candidates in their preparation for the board certification examination in neurology recognized by the American Chiropractic Association and the ACA Council on Neurology.

The Breakdown of the Examination

• ANS
• Basal Ganglia
• Brain Its Environment
• Brainstem
• Cerebellum
• Cranial Nerves
• Head and Face
• Limbic Systems
• Lobes
• Neuroendocrine
• Neuron Theory
• Pain
• PNS
• Receptors
• Red Flags
• Reflex Systems
• Spinal Cord
• Ethics

The Breakdown of the Physical Examination

• Vital Signs
• Limbic System
• Cognitive Assessment
• Cranial Nerve
• Sensory Testing
• Motor Testing
• MSR
• Cerebellum/ Vestibular
• Basal Ganglia
• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory

1. Hyperprolactinemia (Associated conditions)
2. Pituitary tumors
3. Hypothalamus
4. Sarcoidosis
5. Craniopharyngiomas
6. Cranial irradiation
7. Empty Sella syndrome
8. Other diseases                 
9. Pituitary or TSH induced hyperthyroidism
10. Causes of excess Cortisol:
11. ACTH Deficiency:
12. Deficiency of Vasopressin (Diabetes Insipidus)
13. Syndrome of Inappropriate AVP Secretion (SIADH):
14. Thyroid Disorders
15. Diseases of the Adrenal Cortex
16. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
17. Pheochromocytoma
18. Diabetes Mellitus
19. Abnormalities of Testicular Function
20. Hypothalamic/Pituitary
21. Testicular
22. Abnormalities of the Ovaries
23. Disorders affecting Multiple Endocrine Systems

The neurological examination and its understanding are foundational to the success of any applied patient treatment. Being able to correctly navigate a patient’s history and overlay that history to an examination specific to a patient needs years of clinical study and practice. This module is designed to provide you with the foundation necessary to build upon your skills to become an exceptional clinical interviewer and examiner. This module will further teach you the skills necessary to navigate and interpret some of the most common advanced testing techniques utilized by practitioners incorporating a functional neurology paradigm in their practices.