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Applied Neurology vs. Medical Neurology - Understanding The Difference

If you think applied neurology is just for head trauma cases, or severe brain injuries it’s time to put the record straight with what is fact vs fiction.  

Applied neurology and traditional medical neurology, while both concerned with brain health, differ significantly in their approach, goals, and methods. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating how Applied Neurology can offer unique benefits in optimizing brain function and overall well-being.

The Difference In Approach and Goals

Medical Neurology

Traditional medical neurology primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. It deals with conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological diseases.

The goal is to identify the underlying pathological causes of these conditions and manage their symptoms through medications, surgeries, or other medical interventions. Medical neurologists rely heavily on diagnostic tools like MRIs, CT scans, and EEGs to pinpoint abnormalities in the brain and nervous system.

Applied Neurology

Applied neurology, on the other hand, seeks to optimize brain function through specific, neuro-targeted exercises which are then assessed for there relevance by the assess re-assess process.

Rather than focusing on pathology, applied neurology emphasizes enhancing the brain's natural abilities and improving its responses to sensory inputs so we can see how the nervous system responds.

The goal is to reduce pain, enhance performance, and improve overall quality of life by training the brain to function more efficiently (or decrease threat).

This approach is more proactive and preventive, aimed at maintaining and improving brain health rather than just treating disease.

The Difference In Methodologies

Traditional neurology uses a variety of diagnostic tests and medical treatments to address neurological issues. These include pharmacological treatments, physical therapies, and sometimes surgical interventions. The focus is often on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of neurological diseases.

Applied neurology employs a range of neuro-targeted exercises designed to recalibrate the brain’s responses to sensory inputs. These exercises are not to be confused with meditation, brain games, yoga, or other common brain-related activities.

Instead, they involve specific drills that stimulate the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, aiming to enhance the brain's ability to process and integrate sensory information. By doing so, applied neurology can help reduce unnecessary stress responses, improve motor control, and enhance emotional regulation.

Applications and Benefits

Applied neurology has a broad range of applications, particularly in areas like pain management and performance enhancement.

For instance, traditional pain management strategies often focus on alleviating the pain itself. In contrast, applied neurology addresses the brain's interpretation of sensory inputs that contribute to the perception of pain. By retraining the brain to process these inputs more accurately, the perceived threat is reduced, and consequently, the experience of pain diminishes.

For athletes and individuals looking to boost performance, applied neurology offers significant benefits. Neuro-targeted exercises can optimize the brain's processing of sensory inputs related to movement and coordination, leading to more efficient and precise movements, improved reaction times, and better overall performance.

This is achieved by continuously assessing and reassessing the effectiveness of these exercises, allowing for real-time adjustments to ensure optimal outcomes.

The Cutting-Edge: A Unique, Personalized Approach for Each Client!

One of the standout features of applied neurology is its personalized approach. Each individual’s brain is unique, with distinct patterns of interpreting sensory information based on their experiences.

Applied neurology training takes these individual differences into account, tailoring interventions to address specific neurological needs effectively. This personalized approach is facilitated by continuous monitoring and adjustment of exercises through the assess-reassess process, ensuring that the training remains effective and aligned with the individual's unique neurological profile.

While traditional medical neurology and applied neurology share the common goal of enhancing brain health, they differ fundamentally in their approaches and methodologies.

Traditional neurology focuses on diagnosing and treating neurological diseases through medical interventions.

Applied neurology, however, emphasizes optimizing brain function and improving overall health through specific, targeted exercises.

By understanding and integrating the principles of applied neurology, individuals can achieve significant improvements in pain management, performance, and overall quality of life. This new generation approach offers a proactive and preventive strategy for maintaining brain health, making it an invaluable addition to the field of neurology.

More articles to enhance your education:

The Neuro Approach to Fitness Training

How Brain Training Enhances Athletic Performance

How Neuro Impacts Physical Therapy

The Science Behind Neuro Training

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