Functional Neurology

Functional Neurology

What is Functional Neurology?

Traditionally, neurology tends to look at disease of the nervous system as black-and-white with one side being optimal neurologic function and the other being neurological disease such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. Functional Neurology looks at dysfunction of the nervous system as different shades of gray, identifying subtle changes in the nervous system before they become distinct pathologies.


A key concept in functional neurology is your neurons need fuel and activation in order to thrive and survive. Fuel can be defined as oxygen, glucose and essential nutrients. Activation refers to stimulation of the nervous system which causes changes in the structure and metabolism of the nerve cell. Functional Neurology Practitioners are also involved with eliminating possible negative effects on neurons such as toxins, infectious agents and immune responses.

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Carolyn G.

Dr. Rob's care has changed my life!

DR. ROB'S CARE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! It resolved chronic left neck pain and arm numbness, lower back pain, PMS, ear pain, and urinary frequency. Sometimes the pain from these conditions was mild and sometimes severe. I have more energy and feel my chronic fatigue has mostly been resolved.

The Body Uses Three Pathways To Carry Out Any Action:

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    Information is carried from the body/environment to the brain via the spine
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    The brain processes this information
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    The brain sends information back to the body about how to respond to the information it received.

If any one of these pathways is disturbed, any number of problems could result since the brain and nervous system are the master control system of the body. An example of how this works in real time: we are driving in our car, and we see a red light (path 1), we process this information and decide what action needs to be taken (path 2), our brain will then tell our foot to move off the gas and on to the brake (path 3). A dysfunction in any one of these pathways could result in an accident. The same is true for our body: a reduction of information in any of these paths could cause symptoms in any of our body systems (heart, lungs, immune system, musculoskeletal, digestive, reproductive, or urinary).

Many patients have a myriad of symptoms that can involve many systems including limbic (emotional), sensory, motor, and cognitive. The reason is all of these systems feed into, and off of one another. Many of our patients have been suffering from disorders of the central nervous system and have not responded to traditional medical care or prefer alternatives to invasive or pharmaceutical intervention, such as functional neurology.


Corrective neurological care is beneficial for many individuals with symptoms ranging from vertigo, headaches, muscle imbalance, learning disorders, pain syndromes to post stroke difficulties.

Dr. Ramirez aims to ensure that all of these pathways are viable and optimized using functional neurology. The result is a treatment that is specific for your body and your brain. Most importantly, this care is natural and non-invasive.

Why does Functional Neurology Work?

The reason functional neurology is so effective is neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to restructure itself after training, practice as well as after an injury. It is the ability of the nervous system to respond to internal or external stimuli by reorganizing its structure, function and connections.

Your brain is dynamic. It can reorganize by forming new neural connections throughout your life. Neuroplasticity allows the nerves in the brain to compensate for injury and disease processes and to adjust its’ activities in response to new situations or changes in its environment.

Negative neuroplasticity is associated with loss of function or increased injury. In situations of chronic pain, patients commonly experience unfavorable neuroplastic changes, such decrease in motor performance. This negative neuroplasticity maintains pain. The brain has gotten very good at being in pain.

Functional neurology can reverse this by re-establishing normal motor pathways. Not only does neuroplasticity allow you to lean a new language or play a musical instrument, it also enables you to recover from injuries, dysfunction and chronic pain.

Cortical Neuroplasticity IS Brain resiliency. That is a beautiful thing!

Free Special Report

See what it is like to work with Dr. Ramirez

Dr. Ramirez offers a free 30-minute phone case review. He will consult with you and review any past medical records you have, just as if you were an established patient. You will see firsthand if he is the right doctor for you.

The incidence of brain disorder is on the rise.

Not only has dementia become common place but so has Alzheimer's, ADD, ADHD, brain fog, depression, and Parkinson's. Functional Neurology can help prevent neurodegenerative disorders and preserve your brain so it will last your lifespan.

Learn More

See the examination process Dr. Ramirez will take you through to determine how to help you recover from chronic pain and other conditions.

He is always there for his patiens...

Dr. Rob gave me my life back after trying everything possible to help with horrible gastrointestinal problems nutritional deficiencies autoimmune issues and even with a rare disease called CVID Common Variable Immune Deficiency. I was so impressed with his compassion, understanding and going above and beyond to help me as that simply does not exist in the medical field. He is always there for his patients and I feel blessed to be treated by him!

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Rashan B.

I was skeptic that his gentle procedure would be effective...

I've spent years in chiropractic offices and Dr. Rob is the best!! I Was skeptic that his gentle procedure would be effective....as in the past, I have always been "cracked". This is approach is so painless and soothing, I look forward to his office visits! And, he is reasonable and honest about when you need to visit....not just "selling" as most do! A very pleasant experience that really works!!!

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Barbara G

Even after the first adjustment I noticed a big difference in how I felt

I started coming to see Dr. Rob because I was having chronic neck and back pain from an auto accident a few years ago. Even after the first adjustment I noticed a big difference in how I felt. Since continuing care I have noticed over time how the neck and back pain have resolved. It has been a really great experience.

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Elizabeth P

I have been able to run again, exercise, and I don't worry about my neck

I had severe neck pain. I could not carry on any normal activities. I was always in pain. When I found Dr. Rob I was relieved of my pain, even on the first visit. Since starting care I have been able to run again, exercise and I don't worry about my neck. I'm not worried about doing anything like before. I am so truly blessed that I found him. He is friendly, kind and he answered all my questions. He will help you.

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Deborah H.

Total Recovery From Trigeminal Neuralgia

I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia in January of 2003. I suffered with pain that I never thought possible. I would sit curled up in a fetal position and cry for hours. I truly wished I could just die. The medical profession didn’t know what caused this horrible disease, or how to get rid of it.

I lost about 4 months of work. I would get up and go to work, but within about one or two hours I would call my wife to come get me.

Since seeing Dr. Ramirez for treatment I have been able to remain pain free and medicine free. I am very grateful to Dr. Rob for the work that he does and his willingness to work to help me.

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Jim S.

Dr. Rob's care has changed my life!

DR. ROB'S CARE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! It resolved chronic left neck pain and arm numbness, lower back pain, PMS, ear pain, and urinary frequency. Sometimes the pain from these conditions was mild and sometimes severe. I have more energy and feel my chronic fatigue has mostly been resolved.

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Carolyn G.

I feel so much better with lots more energy

Three years ago, I was so tired and forgetful with zero energy. After stepping foot in your office, I'm now on my to feeling AWESOME! I feel so much better with lots more energy.

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Juanita M.

I can't say enough how this has improved the quality of my life . .

When I first came to see Dr. Robert I was a mess. I had pain everywhere and could not sleep or get comfortable. I had headaches all the time and in general felt lousy. Now I am pain free at most of the time. When I get sleep I get restful sleep and not just tossing and turning all night. I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and this has really helped these symptoms, too. I can’t say enough for how this has improved my quality of life.

I know that through a mutual friend, God sent me to Dr. Robert and I thank Him everyday! I was truly at the end of my rope, as they say. I was afraid that there was not any help for me. God and Dr. Robert changed that for me!

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Benita M

I am really pleased with my results

Prior to seeing Dr. Rob some of my physical conditions that were a constant annoyance were a chronic pain in my right hip, sore and tired ankles, a sore neck, and a chronic sinus congestion that I have for over ten years that caused restriction in my breathing. I have noticed a major difference in all areas of affliction, and to my surprise I can breathe without any nose spray or decongestants. I am really pleased with my results and look forward to the future.

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Joe M.

He takes as much time as necessary with me

Dr. Rob has helped relieve pain in my back multiple times. Every trip to his office has been pleasant and enjoyable. He takes as much time as necessary with me and is sure to thoroughly explain everything to me. I would highly recommend Dr. Rob.

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John B

The biggest change has been my migraines going away..

Before coming to Dr. Rob I had multiple issues with gastroenteritis, a lot of back pain and migraines. Once I started coming to Dr. Rob I was able to get rid of all of these. I am now able to enjoy my life again. The biggest change has been my migraines going away. Before seeing Dr. Rob they used to rule my life.

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Victoria G