The Four Pillars

Dr. Ryan Cedermark RN, BSN, FNP-C, DC. DACNB

Working with complex patients can be very difficult. Developing a neuroplasticity plan for your patients in an alternative setting should take into account the four quadrants of neuroplasticity: cognitive, emotional, physical and chemical. This talk ties together and reinforces the importance of the four quadrants of building a neuroplastic model in the office. Research supporting each category will be presented.

Obsessive Thought Patterns – “Phantom Brain Pain”

Dr. David  Hanscom, MD – Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Author

Obsessive and disruptive thoughts are almost universal and troublesome for a great many people. They may be the foundational source of chronic pain in that you cannot escape from them. Knowing and understanding this in clinical practice is imperative.

Anxiety caused by any mental or physical danger signal is the main problem. It is the feeling generated by threat physiology. It evolved to be extremely unpleasant and when it is relentless will destroy the patient’s quality of life. Unpleasant thoughts are sensory input that creates chronic anxiety. Identifying these patterns in patients, and empowering them to learn and create change, is an imperative part of the doctor-patient relationship.

The Forefront of the Newest Cognitive Research

Dr. Robert Melillo DC, PhD (C) DABCN, FACFN, FABCDD

New research and practical applications happening in healthcare, in particular Functional Neuroscience, will be reviewed. The future of healthcare will be about a brain-based model of health. This presentation will review the background research and protocols influencing Dr. Melillo’s current PhD program. Initial findings and data will be shared.

With Covid it has been harder for many to keep up with all the new information about the brain and neuroscience coming out and also understand how lockdowns, lack of movement and social interaction will impact development and functioning of the brain in children and adults. We will review and highlight some of the most important research discoveries and what it tells us about the brain and brain development and how we can use this information to get the best results. 

The CDC has recently changed its guidelines for developmental milestones, and this is only creating more confusion and just confirms the importance of understanding the brain and understanding development and its relationship to motor/sensory development. Over the next few years we are going to see a dramatic increase in functional neurological issues of all kinds especially in children and we need to be prepared - starting with understanding the scientific evidence and advanced clinical skills that will allow us to change the brain in more effective and quicker ways. 

Bringing Insight To BrainWave Education & Training

Graham Boulton (Senior Electronics Engineer- DCA)

Observing brain wave patterns in REAL-TIME pinpoints troublesome incoherent patterns that incite psychosomatic issues: anxiety, stress, depression and more. Eleven years of research & trials prove interventions allied to journaling, breathing, brain games and meditation, used in conjunction with operant training, resolves troublesome brain wave patterns in quick time.

Wearable technology is the tool that validates the effectiveness of the intervention, operant training, and coherence states.

The Bioplastic Model of Pain: Heal the Brain

Dr. Monika Buerger, BA, DC

This lecture will cover the cognitive, emotional and sensory triad related to trauma and pain. Pain is stored in the brain as "memory maps” resulting from the perception of our experiences and begins in the early years of life. Therefore, in order to address the rehabilitation process and/or increase functional capacity (physical and mental), one must understand how to recognize which of these three aspects may be driving a person's pain and how to properly and effectively create protocols for healing. If this is not well understood, practitioners risk driving a patient into a survival state of sympathetic dominance with a potential risk of long-term physical and physiological consequences.

Bioplasticity refers to the body's ability to change and adapt to its environmental experiences; both internal (interoceptive) and external (exteroceptive). If the brain cannot accurately interpret the status of the body, the brain will create a maladaptive defense response to the situation. Thus, creating a chronic pain syndrome (physical or mental).

How Light, Sound & Vibration Help Accelerate Neuroplasticity in Concussion Care

Dr. Patrick Porter PhD

In this course we will discuss the meaning of resilience and how neurophysiology plays a role in our ability to cope with the world around us. How by measuring the stress on the nervous system and using technology that is proven to record its changes. By using objective measurements, how to clinically assess the stress effect, the ANS and the path to optimizing the expression of health and healing, and the role of Neuro Care and stress optimization.

The Musician's Brain as a Model of Neuroplasticity

Dr. Jason  McCloskey DC FIBFN-CND-H

Studies of experience-driven neuroplasticity at the cognitive, emotional, physical, and chemical levels have shown that the structure and significance of the eliciting stimulus can determine the neural changes that result. Studying such effects in humans is difficult, but professional musicians represent an ideal model in which to investigate classic changes in the human brain.

Music is ubiquitous across human cultures — as a source of affective and pleasurable experience, moving us both physically and emotionally — and learning to play music shapes both brain structure and brain function. Music processing in the brain — namely, the perception of melody, harmony and rhythm — has traditionally been studied as an auditory phenomenon using passive listening paradigms. However, when listening to music, we actively generate predictions about what is likely to happen next. This enactive aspect has led to a more comprehensive understanding of music processing involving brain structures implicated in action, emotion and learning. Here we review the cognitive neuroscience literature of music perception. We show that music perception, action, emotion and learning all rest on the human brain’s fundamental capacity for prediction — as formulated by the predictive coding of music models.

The Novel Functional Neuroplastic Applications of Taste and Smell

Dr. David Rosenthal,  AS, BA, MSc, DC, FICPA, FIBFN-CND

The novel neuro-physiological understanding of the vomer-nasal organ as a chemoreceptor and baroreceptor will help improve clinical outcomes using the classical and non-classical pathways of olfaction and oxygen consumption. The novel understanding that taste receptors are located on the tongue, palate, epiglottis, and esophagus will help improve outcomes in clinical practice.

NeuroResilience: Why do some people thrive under pressure and others get swallowed up by it

Dr. Michael Longyear DC, DACNB, CCSP

How does NeuroResilience play a part in mental health?  Can creating neuroplastic change and strengthening neural networks improve your ability to deal with adversity?

The neuroscience evidence behind adversity and resilience.

Looking at research on how neural networks affect your ability to cope and conquer adversity. 

Examining how a break down in resilience will contribute to mental health disorders.

How to address changes in emotional state .

Building your team of resources.

Don’t forget about the limbic brain!

The Science of Pain Reversal

Dr. Les Aria PhD

Modern pain neuroscience now provides evidence that chronic pain is not better accounted for by structural or tissue damage, but the nervous system stuck in a state of threat response. This presentation focuses on how to reverse chronic pain by retuning the autonomic nervous system into physiological states of safety and the key steps of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), which leads to pain recovery. 

The Evolution of Polyvagal: How embodied practices can improve emotional regulation

Dr. Monique  Andrews MSc, DC, DNM

Exploring the role of the vagus nerve in shifting neuroplastic changes in emotionally dysregulated populations. The role of the vagus nerve in the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway (CAP) has been well established with myriad data supporting the use of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of mood disorders like major depression disorder I(MDD) and Anxiety disorders. This talk will dive into the efficacy of embodied "vagal toning" practices that are also showing promise in creating neuroplastic changes in these emotionally dysregulated populations.

Growing interest in Somatic Therapies for non-musculoskeletal complaints have spawned the field of Embodied Neuroscience. Key areas of research in Polyvagal Theory focus on a deeper understanding of the neurological processes of emotional dysregulation leading to significant advances in the understanding of mood disorders. Assessment techniques and exercises will be offered that will serve as tools for the functional neurology practitioner.

Building Neuroplasticity in the Traumatized Nervous System

Sharik Peck PT, MRC, CEAS

Neurologic dominant and non-dominant pathways contribute to post traumatic stress with a myriad of associated health, life, and family impacts. Introducing specific exercises, sensory motor input, controlled breathing, and introducing positive thought interventions will influence the ventral vagal system to build resilience in the CNS.

Trauma, trauma ideation, and post traumatic stress responses are at play in the vast majority of clients seeking neurologic assistance in the functional neurology practice and will impact the client’s ability to heal. Understanding simple interventions you can introduce to your clients to re-write trauma patterns in the CNS can drastically improve client satisfaction and outcomes.

Rezzimax and Functional Neurology: A Powerful Combination

Dr. Michael Trayford BS, DC, DACNB, BCN

The Rezzimax Tuner Pro is a powerful technological tool in the functional neurologist's toolbox and has endless applications in the functional neurology clinic. Vibration has been utilized for decades in functional rehabilitation clinics, and Rezzimax has enhanced the applications for a host of neurological conditions and peak performance training. This class will demonstrate applications for both traumatic and acquired brain injuries and peak performance training.

Sponsored by:

Rewiring the Brain Hijacked by Stress and Depression

Dr. Gianna Norini DC, CD(DONA), HBCE
Dr. Dominic Fetterly DC

This course will discuss how stress changes the neurocircuitry of the brain and creates negative neuroplastic change in a wide range of patients. 

1. Areas of the brain/body are under siege in a stressed brain.

2. Negative neuroplasticity and the detrimental effects on the brain/body

3. Resetting and rewiring techniques for the stressed brain to create positive neuroplastic changes

The Physiology of Emotions

Dr. Melissa Carrick DC

What are emotions?  This class will discuss the implications that someone’s emotions, or their emotional reality, can have on brain function and the ability to create positive neuroplastic changes.
NeuroEmotional Technique and the limbic brain
The difference between reality and someone’s emotional reality.
Intro to NET (NeuroEmotional Technique)
A look at the subconscious mind
How emotions can derail the brain and disconnect the brain’s ability to create positive connections 

How Vision Adaptations Such as Amblyopia and Strabismus Can Hinder Your Treatments

Dr. Amy Thomas O.D.

Vision adaptations during development, especially those in the areas of amblyopia and strabismus, can derail even the best treatments by functional neurologists. This talk will highlight the neuro-optometrist's role in helping use the brain's neuroplasticity to reinforce the gains from your treatments. It will also provide screening tools to know when a patient's current lenses will cause difficulties in patient accuracy, comfort, and coordination.

Featuring areas that are not currently being considered in functional neurologic treatments, use neuroplasticity to improve those areas, and provide screening tools to ensure that the patient is receiving the most comprehensive care possible.

Z.A.T. a Neuroplastic Approach To Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Nicole Perry LCPC

"ALL DSM diagnoses stem from ONE COMMON THING...developmental issues." - Dr. Angelo Pezzote.

ZAT (Zoetic - Actionable - Therapy) is an unique approach to treating people in an alternative and individualized approach using physical movement and talk therapy to recognize triggers and patterns of their behavior. This approach gives people better self awareness to explore and act upon the root causes of their human expression. Many mental health illnesses are just different adaptations that individuals have come up with just to survive. ZAT gives individuals the ability to thrive and not just survive through life. It is a different approach to mental health which is driving better outcomes.

Advanced Imaging of the Cervicocranial Junction (CCJ): Observing the Atlas to Brain Health

Dr. Julie Mayer Hunt DC DICCP FCCJP

Provide a detailed explanation of the CranioCervical Junction (CCJ) with respect to ligamentous structure, vascular and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, and Chiari. The impacts on brain health resulting from CCJ anomalies and how the anomaly affects the blood and CSF supplies to the brain. Upright and supine MRI imaging merits will be discussed. Specific case studies will be presented concerning brain changes resulting from upper cervical chiropractic care. Other research will review autism and CSF dynamics and the effect of upper cervical chiropractic care.

This presentation focuses on the biomechanics of the CranioCervical Junction (CCJ) using various imaging techniques and discusses the impact to brain health associated with anomalies of the CCJ The presentation provides current research and information to doctors to drive interest in further exploring brain health and looking at methods to maintain brain health and possibly preventing neuro-degenerative diseases.

Collect and present data showing neuroplastic improvement with traumatic brain injury

Lynne Becker MSPH

We know that brains can change, this is the basis of neuroplasticity. Some patients experience faster [or slower] changes over time. Discerning which patient will fall into the fast versus slow bucket is a challenge for most practitioners and frustration for all patients and caregivers.

Learn how you can use patient or caregiver data to seamlessly track and manage the progress of your patient’s neuroplasticity and begin to develop real-world data trends.

As brains change and adapt to new stimuli, practitioners need to be able to isolate what interventions made an impact and how much impact was achieved. Brain injuries present an enormous challenge because external stimuli that were previously not thought to be impacting a person’s recovery are now being measured and tools are being designed to help patients manage these situations better. But it all boils down to adherence and a cooperative relationship patients have with the providers. This is engagement. When patients “see” their change over time this is the encouragement that helps patients continue with their care.

Implementing Postural Neurology for Maximum Impact

Dr. Krista Burns DC DHA

Practitioners will discover the Brain-Posture connection and learn the neurologic pathways for upright postural stability. They will gain a clinical understanding of how to assess and correct postural distortion patterns with brain based clinical application (visual, vestibular, and somatosensory). To integrate Postural Neurology within their practice, viewers will get a step-by-step guide to setting up treatment plans based upon neuroplasticity to get neuroplastic changes of the Posture System.

After reviewing the neurology of the Posture System and brain based clinical assessments and postural correction protocols, the viewers will have a clear path for implementation of postural correction treatment plans based on neuroplasticity. Viewers will learn the positive and negative factors of neuroplasticity, the importance of novel motor skill acquisition for posture rehabilitation, and how to set up treatment plans with a "staircase" approach to drive neuroplastic changes of the neurology controlling the Posture System.

Neuroplasticity of Resistance Training: Performance and Clinical Applications

Dr. Joshua Lander, DC,  MS, DACNB, CSCS

This presentation will review the neural substrates of neuroplastic changes from cortex to muscle with regard to resistance training exercise. Performance enhancement and optimization are popular topics at every level of sport participation. The understanding of neural functions underpinning human performance (physical, cognitive, and emotional) are vital for specialized physicians, therapists, and trainers to develop efficient performance and rehabilitative programming. Furthermore, this understanding is highly applicable to the non-athletic and, importantly, the neurologically compromised patient in clinical settings..

The audience will learn the current mechanisms and theories of central and peripheral neural adaptations secondary to resistance training exercise modes. The learner will be able to apply this knowledge within the functional neurology paradigm to improve performance and clinical outcomes.

Shining light on Neuroplasticity: The Impact of photobiomodulation in a pediatric diagnosis

Dr. Brandon Crawford DC FIBFN-CND

Diagnosis and predicted outcomes of complex medical cases are not the end of the story.  The neurological system is adaptive and responsive to several types of sensory inputs including vibration, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture and photobiomodulation. The literature clearly states that photobiomodulation has a positive impact on several key cellular mechanisms that lay the foundation for neuroplastic change within the brain including increasing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhancing mitochondrial production, function and productivity.

Neuroplasticity of Spatial Perception In Persons With TBI and Prism Transformations

Dr. Mark Dean O.D., FCOVD

To provide a theory on the neuroplasticity of spatial perception of a person with TBI. To show, through examples and patient video testimonies, how a person with TBI may perceive their visual world which will offer insight why these persons have walking and balance issues. This also includes a discussion on the spatial transformational properties of prism and how through the application of the spatial transformation properties of prism affects neuroplasticity to effect a change in a person’s posture, balance, gait and mobility.

When persons have had a traumatic brain injury and there’s diffuse axonal injury that interferes with spatial perception and this affects their posture, balance, gait and mobility. The spatial transformation properties of prism alter neurological input by creating an illusory optical distortion which then allows the persons to align their perceived spatial map to the illusory distortions to perceive a non-distorted (more normal) spatial map which then allows the person more visual confidence when moving through space.

Vision, Movement, Remapping: We Are Wired To Fire

Dr. DeAnn Fitzgerald O.D.

Vision trumps all senses.  In the beginning we are an integrated dorsal stream of peripheral vision, vestibular and neuromuscular movers. Sensory (vision, auditory, tactile) and motor systems must work together to drive movement. It is essential to note that the brain and individual structures, systems, and pathways presented therein directly impact our success as movers. Let’s explore the concept of neuroplasticity, and how a better understanding of its underlying principles improves rehab outcomes.

Reinjury rates following return to sport are often quite high. In under-25 athletes for example, the incidence of another anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture (or ACL failure) run as high as 23% (1). The reasons for reinjury when returning to sport are multifactorial. One of the more recent identified factors, the mapping of the visual-motor loop.  So the systems need to be remapped because the individual has retained and not retrained the sensory and motor systems that control the aberrant movement patterns in the recovering athlete. Despite attempts at best practice rehabilitation of athletes, the utilization of motor control principles – specifically the principles of neuroplasticity – is frequently neglected. 

Neuroplasticity and the Vestibular System

Dr. John Hatch  DC DACNB

For years, the functional neurology world has centered their attention on rehabbing brain imbalances. We focus on eye movement, vision, balance, and the cerebellum. Everyone claims to rehab the vestibular system. Yet, there are not enough details or true rehabilitation for the different pathways within that system. I would love to share how practitioners can truly rehab the vestibular balance rather than solely correcting balance.

By focusing on graviceptual imbalances. We talk about neuroplasticity yet neglect the most important law: gravity. As an industry, we assess saccades, pursuits, balance, gate, and motor movement. Yet we neglect the specific pathway that regulates gravity. During this presentation, I will outline all systems to evaluate and rehabilitate to enable neuroplasticity.

Clinical pearls in Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) neuroplasticity training

Dr. Carlo Rinaldo MChiro ICSSD DACNB PhD IBFN-CND

This presentation will translate personal research from recent studies and clinical trials into effective clinical pearls for VOR adaptation using gaze-stabilization exercises. A list of evidence-based the practitioner to VOR

VOR adaptation, or the trainability of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, is a product of neuroplasticity within vestibular and cerebellar circuitries. We will discuss the clinical training parameters that have evidence to actually induce adaptation, as compared to currently prescribed therapies that provide a compensatory effect via non-vestibular systems.

Pre and Post Concussion Nutrition

Dr Cindy Howard DC ACBN ABCI IAMA AVCA

This presentation will explore how nutrition can help prevent severe symptoms and help recover faster from a concussion. Utilizing vitamins, minerals, herbs, and food can help decrease the inflammatory changes that occur while addressing BDNF, neuroplasticity, and other cognitive changes. The relationship to infection , stress and gut will also be addressed.

This topic is one most of us encounter in our practices. Long term effects of concussion can be seen for years so addressing the chemical changes, the inflammation, the neurotransmitter levels can increase the probability for a better outcome as well as less severity in the symptoms upon the injury.

Upgrading Neuroplasticity With Ancient Healing Strategies

Ben Azadi FDN-P

Ancient healing strategies such as ketosis and intermittent fasting have been around for as long as humans have existed. Ketones have the unique ability to quickly enter the brain as an additional fuel source. Ketones are also signaling metabolites which help the mitochondria produce more energy and lower free radicals. Fasting is one of the best ways to reset the digestive system, and repair damaged cells. My presentation will share how to utilize these ancient healing strategies to repair the gut, heal the brain, and upgrade neuroplasticity at the same time.

Ketosis and intermittent fasting (when done right) can improve digestive health. What happens in the gut happens in the brain, and vice versa. When you utilize these two ancient healing strategies you're able to lower cell membrane inflammation, and tap into the healing capabilities of the innate intelligence.

Microalgae provides unique neuroplasticity benefits

Jeffrey Bruno PSY MS PhD

Microalgae offers a unique kingdom of therapeutic benefits, especially wide ranging enhancement of the brain neuroplasticity potentials. Learn how microalgae offers unique light pigment molecules, amino acids, antioxidants, micronutrients, and microbiome supportive elements that protect, repair and support our brain and nervous system.

Microalgae has evolutionary conserved properties that are recognized and valued by our brain, that promote enhanced learning, repair and functioning of our nervous system. Dr. Bruno will provide clinical pearls gathering from reviewing over 800 published studies and decades of clinical use of microalgae in his psychology practice.

Nutritional Approach To Detox and Neuroplasticity Advancements

Dr. Lori Bouchard BHSc ND

How Diet Promotes Cognitive Health, Influences Brain development. Removing toxicity barriers to influence brain health through several mechanisms to stimulate neurogenesis. The role of Polyphenols and its potential to stimulate neurogenesis. (improve memory, learning and cognitive ability). Detoxing capabilities of Fruits, berries and vegetables (rich in antioxidants) to reduce disease risk stemming from reactive oxygen species and are also associated with cognitive benefits.

Share in case studies, toxicity levels from labs, and how to detox safely and effectively for optimal neuroplasticity, giving diet, nutrition, herbal/ supplements to benefit. Will also go into how genetics can play a role, ie/ certain herbs can increase phase 1 detox and make patients very sick, based on a particular genetic SNPS. Practical detox protocols based on various toxic exposures (mold, metals, viral)

A Mind in the Making: The Impact of the Maternal Microbiome in Fetal and Infant Neurodevelopment.

Lacey Hall  MS, R.D.

Interactions between the maternal microbiome and her offspring’s is decidedly intricate. The gut microbiota is a complex eco-system that has been explored for its role in many metabolic functions including immune system development, neurotransmitter modulation, and hormone production. More recent research indicates the microbiome also heavily influences behavior and neurological function. Growing evidence suggests that microorganisms shape our mood, cognition, and social behaviors. The prenatal and postnatal timeframe is an important window of opportunity to shape the developing brain in utero and throughout infancy.

The Microbiome and the Gut-Brain Axis: Their Effect on Neuroplasticity

Robert G. Silverman, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, MS, CCN, CNS, CSCS, CIISN, CKTP, CES, HKC, FAKTR

Bidirectional signaling between the brain and the gut microbiome plays a significant role in how the brain is wired. Studies have linked gut microbiota dysbiosis to brain-linked disorders such as depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and autism. We are now aware that neurodegenerative diseases may not exclusively have a neurological trigger. Uncontrolled chronic inflammation, disturbances in the gut microbiota, and other gastrointestinal dysfunctions open the intestinal barrier and allow inflammatory agents to leak into the bloodstream. Some inflammatory agents can open the blood-brain barrier and are linked to autoimmune, neuro-autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disorders. Building a healthier gut microbiome and restoring the gut barrier can be helpful for reducing neurodegenerative symptoms and improving neuroplasticity.

Understanding the inflammatory processes that underlie neurodegenerative diseases is key to managing them effectively. Protocols for treating neuroinflammation, including implementing a proper diet, supplementation, and mental and physical activity, along with repairing barriers to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxins, may slow degeneration and help recover some cognitive functions in individuals who have experienced neurological trauma or decline from epileptic seizures, Parkinson's disease, stroke, AD, and TBI.

Sponsored by:

Mold - The Silent Killer For Neuroplasticity

Dr. Jared Seigler DC CFMP CGP

Mycotoxins, or the toxins produced by harmful mold species, also directly harm the brain by binding to proteins involved in neuroplasticity, impairing the brain’s ability to form healthy neuronal connections.  While the action of the mycotoxins on peripheral organs and tissues is well documented, the data illustrating their effect on the nervous system are less abundant. Yet, the exposure to mycotoxin-producing molds and fungi is often associated with neurological abnormalities such as neurocognitive deficits, neuropathies and demyelinating processes. Therefore, it is important for practitioners working with brain-related complaints or conditions to be aware of the impact that mold exposure may have on their progress with therapy.  Delay in treatment or recovery may be inherently related to mold exposure and mold toxicity.

Uric Acid As a Biomarker of Change in Neuroplasticity

Dr. Jeffrey Cumro  DC DACNB

There are a lot of questions about why neuroplasticity increases or decreases over a lifetime. We have known for some time that uric acid levels are associated with a multitude of disorders. Exactly what effect uric acid has is becoming more and more clear. In this presentation we are going to explore how uric acid might be a good marker of neuroplasticity in our patient populations.

Uric acid levels are correlated with multiple neurological disorders and diseases. Learners will be able to easily utilize this information in the collection and interpretation of data that may help assess neurological capabilities from a metabolic standpoint.

Modulating Microglia to Enhance Neuroplasticity for Brain Healing

Dr. Jason Pickel  DC DACNB

Many things can activate an immune response in the brain which includes microglial cells. These cells can make up from 10 to 15% of our brain cells, and can act in an anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory state as if a "Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde". Microglia are convincingly showing up as key players in neuroplasticity.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation can completely halt or inhibit neuroplasticity, and counter brain rehabilitative therapies. Many doctors are going to be subject to patients that do not improve with functional neurology and brain rehabilitation unless these immune "roadblocks" can be resolved. Being able to identify the possible causative agents involved and knowing specific tools that can be utilized to modulate or "overcome" them can lead to increased clinical success.