Neurorehabilitation Programs
Intensive Neurological Rehabilitation
Our intensive neurorehabilitation programs that Dr. Diana Tyler designs at Aura Functional Neurology Center (Aura FNC), are a form of treatment that consists of 1 to 3 hours of therapy per day for 5 days, 10 days, or 15 days. Just as when learning a new skill or sport- the consistency and repetition of “practice make perfect.” That also holds for brain rehabilitation, whether struggling with chronic migraine, a recent concussion, or a diagnosis of dysautonomia. Patients can drive across Georgia or fly into the ATL airport from out-of-state to attend our intensive programs, even if they are not local to our clinic (select the U.S.A. Travel page or use the navigation bar to learn more).
AURA FNC Neurorehabilitation uses 3 main concepts:
- Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, learning, and environmental influences. It involves the ability of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to form new connections with each other and to reorganize their activity patterns in response to changes in the environment or injury. - Blending Active & Passive Therapies
Standard treatment involves a blend of active and passive rehabilitation. Active therapies, like brain training incorporating eye/oculomotor training, cognitive exercises, and vestibular and balance rehabilitation, work to instigate positive changes in the relevant brain areas. On the other hand, passive rehabilitation utilizes other technologies and modalities to provide support and stabilize the targeted brain region through the delivery of oxygen, blood flow, or cellular energy before initiating another phase of treatment. - Consecutive Treatment Sessions
Patients can choose to attend consecutive 3-hour sessions or opt to leave and return for scheduled hourly treatments. These treatments are highly effective, leveraging the principles of neuroplasticity to the fullest. The emphasis on repetition and consistency plays a crucial role in training new pathways in the brain, maximizing the benefits of the therapies we use and the time we spend together.
Aura FNC, a private practice with limited capacity, accepts a restricted number of patients annually for our brain rehabilitation programs. This allows for personalized 1:1 sessions with Dr. Diana Tyler, offering 15, 30, or 45 hours of individual treatment across 1, 2, or 3 weeks in a private office setting.
Dr. Diana Tyler DC, DACNB
Founder of Aura Functional Neurology Center, Dr. Diana Tyler designs all of our neurorehabilitation treatment programs for our patients at the Aura FNC office, which is located in Cumming, Georgia, right outside the Atlanta area. Doctor of Chiropractic and Functional Neurologist. Graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. She tailors all of our neurorehabilitation programs for the patients at Aura FNC.
All-Inclusive Treatment
Our neurorehabilitation programs are all-inclusive and include treatment of the brain, mind, and body through the practice of applied clinical neurosciences and functional neurology. We take an approach that treats neurological disorders by looking at them through neurological, metabolic, functional, structural, and musculoskeletal perspectives. Our programs include the following:
- Complimentary Consultation through our JaneApp appointment booking software.
- New Patient Examination that includes nutritional, supplemental, and lifestyle modifications with an in-depth look into relevant medical history and co-managed lab analysis with a primary care provider.
- On-site brain rehabilitation at the Aura FNC office in Cumming, Georgia in a private 1:1 setting with our head functional neurologist Dr. Diana Tyler.
- We offer a variety of techniques and therapies, all tailored to every patient’s individual needs
- Telehealth follow-up options for neurological and nutritional services post-treatment (only applicable to residents of Georgia and North Carolina, where Dr. Diana Tyler is licensed)
- Customized post-intensive at-home treatment plan
Neurorehabilitation Programs at Aura FNC
Migraine Neurorehabilitation
Aura FNC's intensive migraine treatment program addresses the root causes of your migraine attacks, employing targeted interventions to modulate excitatory and inhibitory signals, promoting neuroplasticity for lasting relief. Testing and rehabilitation involve areas of the brainstem and cortex as consistently seen in clinical neuroscience research with associated bedside neurological examination findings.
Dysautonomia Neurorehabilitation
Focused on restoring autonomic nervous system balance, Aura FNC's intensive dysautonomia treatment program integrates therapies to enhance cardiovascular function, regulate heart rate, improve digestion, decrease orthostatic intolerance, and improve overall autonomic control for those with dysautonomia.
POTS
Neurorehabilitation
Tailored for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Aura FNC's intensive POTS treatment program emphasizes autonomic regulation, cardiovascular conditioning, and vestibular rehabilitation to alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning. Address associated conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Concussion Neurorehabilitation
Aura FNC's intensive Concussion (mTBI) treatment program, or our treatment program for mild traumatic brain injuries, employs a comprehensive approach, integrating cognitive, vestibular, and ocular-motor training to address post-concussion symptoms and support the brain's recovery process. We focus on the link between a leaky gut and a leaky brain as well as the impacts of neuroinflammation.
TBI
Neurorehabilitation
Aura FNC's intensive traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment program utilizes neurorehabilitation strategies and modalities like mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) to enhance cognitive function, optimize sensory-motor integration, reduce neuroinflammation and promote overall neurological recovery.
Long COVID Neurorehabilitation
Tailored for individuals with lingering symptoms of Long COVID, Aura FNC's intensive Long COVID treatment program combines neurorehabilitation techniques to address cognitive deficits, immunodeficiencies, fatigue, and autonomic dysregulation for improved functional outcomes.
Neurodevelopmental Neurorehabilitation
Designed for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), Aura FNC's intensive Neurodevelopmental (NDDs) treatment program incorporates targeted interventions to enhance neural connections, integrate primitive reflexes, sensory processing, and motor skills, fostering optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes.
FND
Neurorehabilitation
Designed for individuals with functional neurological disorder (FND), Aura FNC's intensive FND treatment program would involve targeted neurological interventions aimed at promoting neuroplasticity and reestablishing functional connections within neural circuits. At Aura FNC, we frequently collaborate with healthcare professionals specializing in treatments that support psychological well-being.
Key Principles for Brain Training
- The Brain is an Energetically Demanding Organ:
The brain’s proper function relies on a consistent supply of oxygen and fuel, such as glucose or ketones. A pulse oximeter ensures proper oxygenation, with an optimal target range of 98-100 SpO2. It is crucial to never engage in brain training without sufficient caloric intake or when blood sugar is unstable. - Less Can Be More:
Emphasizing the importance of tailored and strategic interventions that consider the fluctuating capacity and needs of the brain and the variability in daily cognitive function. The most important aspect of brain rehabilitation is to know when to push and when to stop. Just as at Aura FNC, each hour of treatment varies based on how the brain works at that particular moment. We often modify the number of exercises, intensity, and duration for what you need that day. - Limited Metabolic Capacity:
Understanding brain fatigue during and after our intensive neurorehabilitation program is a crucial aspect of optimizing therapeutic interventions. Engaging in rehabilitation exercises, cognitive tasks, or motor activities can deplete neural resources. The brain utilizes energy to perform these tasks, and the continuous demand can lead to a depletion of glucose and other essential nutrients necessary for optimal functioning. This can occur within 5 minutes of starting neurological rehabilitation or at the end of a session for others.
Common Signs of Neurological Fatigue
- Increased mood irritability and sensitivity to stimuli (ex: light/sound/touch)
- General sense of tiredness or weakness (desire to sit down, relax/take a break, close eyes)
- Decreased cognitive flexibility- making it harder to shift attention between tasks
- Slower processing speed- tasks with quick thinking and processing become challenging
- Autonomic changes- rise in blood pressure, elevation in resting heart rate, drop in SpO2
Treatment Schedule Plan
Your treatment schedule plan will be created with consideration of your current metabolic capacity and recent history. Certainly, adjusting treatment intensity based on individual responses and incorporating additional time in each phase of the treatment plan is a crucial aspect of effective brain rehabilitation.
Here’s how this adaptive approach is implemented in our treatment programs at Aura FNC:
- Continuous Assessment:
We regularly assess the response to the treatment plan and monitor cognitive improvements, emotional well-being, and any signs of fatigue or overload. - Response-Based Intensity:
We modify the intensity of rehabilitation activities based on the response. If progress is slower or if there are signs of fatigue, we reduce the intensity as needed. Conversely, if there’s a notable improvement, we gradually increase the intensity. - Flexible Phases:
Our treatment plan is flexible, allowing for adjustments as needed. If progress is slower than anticipated, we extend a phase to provide additional time for consolidation and mastery of skills. Conversely, if progress is rapid, we consider advancing to the next phase sooner. - Individualized Milestones:
We set individualized milestones that reflect your progress. These milestones can serve as checkpoints to evaluate whether the current treatment intensity is appropriate or if adjustments are necessary. - Communication and Collaboration:
At Aura FNC we like to maintain open communication between the individual undergoing rehabilitation, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Regular check-ins can provide valuable insights into the person’s experience, facilitating timely adjustments to the treatment plan when needed. - Adaptation to Daily Capacity:
We acknowledge that the individual’s daily cognitive capacity may vary and allow for flexibility in the treatment schedule as needed, recognizing that some days may require lighter or more focused interventions based on each patient’s energy levels and cognitive function each day. - Rest and Recovery Periods:
We integrate structured rest and recovery periods into each treatment program. This might include days where we use reduced intensity or have longer breaks between more demanding sessions, promoting optimal cognitive recovery and minimizing the risk of burnout.
By incorporating a responsive and adaptive approach to treatment intensity, our patients can maximize the effectiveness of brain rehabilitation while respecting the individual’s pace and needs.