What is a Functional Neurologist?

 A functional neurologist is a highly trained healthcare professional who focuses on optimizing the way the brain and nervous system work together to improve overall function and well-being. Unlike traditional neurology, which often focuses on diagnosing and managing neurological diseases, functional neurology emphasizes a proactive, non-invasive approach to identifying and addressing imbalances in the nervous system. At Arise Functional Health, we specialize in functional neurology as part of our unique care model for children with developmental and neurological challenges. Our approach is rooted in understanding how your child’s brain and body communicate, and we use targeted, science-based therapies to enhance that connection.

What does a pediatric neurologist do?

 A pediatric neurologist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing neurological conditions in children. Their focus is on understanding how a child’s brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles work together and addressing any challenges that arise during development. At Arise Functional Health, we share a similar commitment to helping children with neurological struggles thrive. While pediatric neurologists often focus on identifying and managing conditions through medical diagnostics and treatments, our approach is rooted in Functional Neurology. This means we go beyond identifying symptoms to address the underlying root causes that may be impacting your child’s brain and body development. 

How Our Approach Differs and Aligns: Unlike traditional pediatric neurology, which may rely on medication or invasive interventions, we use non-invasive, drug-free methods tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our care integrates:

  • Primitive Reflex Integration to support foundational neurological development.
  • Sensory-Motor Exercises to enhance coordination, focus, and regulation.
  • Individualized Nutrition to fuel the brain and body.
  • Chiropractic Adjustments to optimize communication between the brain and body.

We believe in treating the whole child, not just their symptoms, creating a path to improved function and lasting change. If your child has been diagnosed with a neurological condition or is showing signs of developmental delays, our unique approach complements and enhances the care they may receive from a pediatric neurologist. Together, we can help unlock their potential and support them in living a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What are the symptoms of functional neurological disorder?

 Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can affect how the brain and nervous system communicate, leading to a variety of symptoms that may seem puzzling or inconsistent. At Arise Functional Health, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate these symptoms, especially in children. Our goal is to help families uncover the root causes of these neurological imbalances and empower their children to thrive. 

Common Symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder

FND can present differently for every individual, but some of the most common symptoms include:

Motor Symptoms:

  • Tics, Stims, Tremors, spasms, or involuntary movements.
  • Muscle weakness or difficulty coordinating movements.
  • Balance issues

Sensory Symptoms:

  • Numbness, tingling, or unusual sensations in parts of the body, possibly not feeling connected to their body.
  • Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or double vision.
  • Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or touch.

Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Trouble concentrating, "brain fog," or memory lapses.
  • Learning disorders (things such as visual processing, auditory processing, dyslexia, ect).
  • Sudden emotional changes, including heightened anxiety or mood swings.

Speech and Communication Issues:

  • Difficulty speaking or changes in voice tone and clarity.
  • Stuttering or episodes of losing the ability to speak temporarily. 

What to Do If You Suspect FND

Symptoms of FND can be confusing and even mimic those of other neurological conditions, which can make finding answers difficult. At Arise Functional Health, we take a holistic, child-centered approach to uncover the underlying neurological and functional imbalances contributing to these symptoms.Our care goes beyond managing symptoms—we work to restore communication within the nervous system by addressing sensory, motor, and cognitive challenges. Using tools like functional neurology, primitive reflex integration, sensory-motor exercises, and individualized nutrition, we help children achieve greater regulation and function over time. 

Hope for Families Facing FND

FND symptoms can feel overwhelming, but there’s hope. Many families see life-changing improvements in their child’s behavior, coordination, focus, and emotional regulation with the right, targeted care.If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, our team is here to listen, support, and guide your family toward meaningful solutions. Together, we can create a personalized care plan to help your child reach their fullest potential.

What Does a Functional Neurologist Do?

Functional neurologists take a holistic approach, looking at the underlying causes of neurological dysfunction rather than just treating symptoms. We use in-depth assessments to pinpoint areas of the brain that may be underperforming or overcompensating and then develop tailored exercises and interventions to restore balance and improve function.This could include:

  • Sensory and motor exercises to strengthen neural pathways.
  • Primitive reflex integration to support developmental milestones.
  • Brain-based therapies to enhance focus, emotional regulation, and coordination.
  • Chiropractic adjustments to improve nervous system communication.
  • Nutritional guidance to fuel optimal brain health. 

Why Functional Neurology is Transformative

Functional neurology is designed to meet your child where they are and guide them toward better brain performance. For children with cognitive, behavioral, sensory, or motor challenges, this approach can bring life-changing improvements. Parents often see their children gain better focus, coordination, emotional balance, and confidence, leading to more ease in daily life and long-term success. 

The Arise Difference

As a Fellow in Functional Neurology and Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Dr. Garrett Larrington brings an advanced level of expertise to every child’s care. Our clinic combines the latest in neuroscience with compassionate, individualized care to help your child reach their fullest potential.If you're looking for an approach that doesn’t just manage symptoms but works to unlock your child’s unique strengths, functional neurology at Arise Functional Health is here for you.

How is functional neurological disorder treated?

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can feel overwhelming for families, but at Arise Functional Health, we’re here to help with a caring, personalized, and holistic approach that addresses the root causes of your child’s challenges. Our treatments are designed to retrain the nervous system, improve its function, and empower your child to thrive. 

A Holistic and Individualized Approach to FND

FND treatment at our clinic is not a one-size-fits-all process. We begin with a thorough evaluation to understand your child’s unique needs, including how their brain and body are communicating. From there, we create a customized plan that may include: 

  • Functional Neurology Care:
We use specific neurological exercises to retrain the brain and improve communication between the brain and body. These exercises are designed to target areas of dysfunction and promote better sensory processing, motor skills, and regulation.
  • Primitive Reflex Integration:
Unintegrated primitive reflexes can disrupt neurological development. Our targeted reflex exercises help reintegrate these reflexes, creating a stronger foundation for your child’s brain and body to work together.
  • Sensory-Motor Activities:
Sensory and motor challenges are common in FND, and our team uses targeted fun exercises to help improve balance, coordination, and body awareness. These activities are designed to be both therapeutic and fun for your child.
  • Individualized Nutrition Plans:
Nutrition plays a vital role in brain health. We address potential food sensitivities, blood sugar imbalances, and gut health issues that can impact the nervous system, providing dietary recommendations tailored to your child.
  • Chiropractic Care:
Gentle, child-focused chiropractic adjustments can help improve nervous system function, promote better communication between the brain and body, and support overall well-being. 

Our Unique, Supportive Environment

We know that children with FND often face challenges in traditional therapy settings, so we’ve created a supportive, sensory-friendly environment where your child can feel comfortable and understood. Our team is experienced in working with neurodivergent children and uses compassion and creativity to engage them in their care. 

Hope for a Brighter Future

FND is treatable, and with the right approach, many children experience significant, life-changing improvements in focus, behavior, motor skills, and emotional regulation. At Arise Functional Health, our goal is to help your child not just manage symptoms but thrive with a stronger, more resilient brain and nervous system.If you’re ready to explore how our integrative care can support your child, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Together, we can help your child rise above their challenges and achieve their full potential.

Is Functional Neurology covered by insurance?

One of the most common questions we hear at Arise Functional Health is whether functional neurology is covered by insurance. The answer can vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. While many of the services we offer—such as chiropractic care—may be eligible for reimbursement, functional neurology as a whole is not always recognized as a specific category of care by insurance companies.We understand that many would like to use their insurance, that is why we will gladly provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. 

Why Families Choose Functional Neurology Despite Limited Insurance Coverage

Families who choose functional neurology often do so because of the profound, life-changing benefits it offers their children. At Arise Functional Health, our unique approach integrates functional neurology with nutrition, sensory-motor exercises, primitive reflex integration, and chiropractic adjustments to create meaningful, lasting results. Many parents see the investment in this comprehensive care as an essential step toward unlocking their child’s potential and giving them the tools to thrive. 

Flexible Payment Options to Support Your FamilyWe believe every child deserves access to the care they need. To make our services as accessible as possible, we offer:

  • Flexible payment plans.
  • Transparent pricing.
  • Guidance on using Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

 A Holistic Investment in Your Child’s Future

While insurance coverage for functional neurology may be limited, the long-term value of improving your child’s behavior, focus, coordination, and emotional regulation is immeasurable. At Arise Functional Health, we’re dedicated to providing care that helps your child achieve their fullest potential—and we’ll support your family every step of the way.If you have specific questions about insurance or payment options, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

What is a functional Nutritionist?

  A functional nutritionist is a healthcare professional who uses a holistic approach to address health challenges by focusing on how nutrition impacts the body at a foundational level. Rather than simply treating symptoms, functional nutritionists work to identify the root causes of imbalances and create personalized dietary strategies to support healing and long-term wellness.At Arise Functional Health, we embrace the principles of functional nutrition as a core component of our care model. We recognize the critical connection between what your child eats and how their brain and body function. By understanding your child’s unique nutritional needs, we can develop a customized plan that fuels their development, enhances their focus, supports emotional regulation, and empowers their growth. 

How Functional Nutrition is Different

Unlike generic dietary advice, functional nutrition takes into account:

  • Your child’s individual biochemistry.
  • Food sensitivities or intolerances.
  • The role of gut health in neurological and physical development.
  • Nutrient imbalances that may hinder progress.

Our team uses functional nutrition to help identify and eliminate potential dietary obstacles to your child’s success, such as food sensitivities, inflammatory foods, or nutrient deficiencies. We also emphasize the importance of enhancing brain function through targeted nutrition like essential fatty acids, balanced blood sugar, and gut microbiome diversity. 

The Arise Difference

Functional nutrition at Arise Functional Health is not just about changing what’s on the plate—it’s about transforming how the body and brain function together. This personalized approach is one of the ways we ensure that your child’s care is as unique as they are, supporting long-term growth and development through nutrition.If you're ready to explore how functional nutrition can support your child’s health and unlock their potential, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

What is a functional neurological disorder?

 Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) refers to a condition where the brain and nervous system struggle to communicate effectively, leading to neurological symptoms that can't be explained by structural damage or disease. These symptoms are very real and can significantly impact a person’s daily life, even though standard medical tests often show no clear abnormalities.At Arise Functional Health, we understand that FND can manifest in various ways, such as difficulties with movement, speech, or sensory processing. These challenges arise not because the brain lacks the ability to function, but because the "wiring" or communication within the nervous system isn't working as it should.

How We Approach FND at Arise Functional HealthWe specialize in identifying and addressing these neurological "misfires" through our integrative, non-invasive methods. By combining Functional Neurology, individualized nutrition, primitive reflex integration, and sensory-motor exercises, we target the underlying imbalances causing the symptoms. This personalized approach helps improve brain performance, leading to better communication within the nervous system and empowering our patients to regain control over their lives.Our care is rooted in understanding that each person’s brain and body are unique. Whether the challenges involve movement, attention, behavior, or coordination, our goal is to help restore optimal function so individuals can thrive.If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms that don’t seem to have a clear cause, we’re here to help uncover the root issues and guide you on the path to improved neurological health.

What if I just had blood work done?

Most likely, the blood work that medical providers typically run is at most 20% of what needs to be run initially to get a true idea of what is going on. If you have had blood work drawn in the past 6 months, please feel free to go ahead and email contact@arisefh.com

  • No blood work or labs will be reviewed in a Discovery Call visit. This is strictly analyzed prior to your scheduled Initial Assessment.

How quickly will I see results?

This is dependent on the individual, but you could see changes as fast as the first week! Others may take longer depending on the individual and the complexities of their case.

Is Dr. Larrington an option for my primary care doctor?

No. Dr. Larrington does not replace a PCP but rather, works alongside them as another member of your health team.

Can Dr. Larrington provide me with my prescription medication?

No. Dr. Garrett and Dr. Kendra are not prescribing physicians for medications.
Read more about Dr. Garrett and Dr. Kendra’s qualifications and degrees in their bios.

Is Chiropractic Care safe?

Absolutely, we specialize in delivering safe and effective adjustments, but if we find something during our exam that makes us believe it would be unsafe for you to recieve chiropractic care we will let you know and get you to someone who can help you. 

Is Chiropractic Care Safe if I am Pregnant?

Absolutely! Our doctors are specialized in safely adjusting pregnant mothers utilizing the Webster Technique to optimize the health and wellbeing of their changing body as well as her baby!

Do you take insurance?

Unfortunately we are not in network with any insurance companies. We are a pay-per-service practice with many different payment options and often our prices are less than what you would pay with insurance. We will always work with our practice members to make it as affordable as possible and meet your needs. We do accept Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), CareCredit, all major Credit/Debit cards, Check and Cash. 

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