This module teaches functional neurology from a symptom basis as well as systems basis.  The most common neurologic complaints in clinician’s offices today include chronic pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), incontinence, dementia/memory difficulty, insomnia and mood disorders.  By utilizing peer reviewed literature that summarizes the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of these common disorders, learners will gain a thorough knowledge of the complexities of these clinical presentations.  The peer reviewed literature will discuss many of the traditional medical therapies that are utilized for these disorders.  

Discussions on the integrative nature of neurology and its intersection with gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune and urinary systems are included in the literature.  This sets the stage for the broadening of functional neurology to include immunology and endocrinology and integrates systems that continuously work together and cannot truly be separated in clinical practice.

A new approach will address optimal management of neurological disorders based on objective test outcomes. This offers learners new opportunities to optimize nervous system health.  This integrative and innovative approach includes diet and nutrition, nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes, amino acid therapy for neurotransmitter support, stress hormone balancing and immune system support.

Case studies demonstrate the integration and application of neuroendoimmunology and they summarize this new model of functional neurology.  Learners will easily integrate clinical applications from these case studies upon completion of this module.

Module Learning Objectives:

• To learn, understand and apply the basic anatomy and neurophysiology of central and peripheral nervous systems in regards to pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), incontinence, dementia, insomnia and mood disorders.
• To understand the risk factors for, and frequent comorbidities of, common neurological complaints and clinical presentations including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), incontinence, dementia, insomnia and mood disorders.
• To recognize and apply the integration of the physical, cognitive and emotional aspects of clinical neurology.
• To learn, understand and apply objective testing protocols and subsequent clinical applications that integrate neurology, endocrinology and immunology into clinical practice.  This is the practice of neuroendoimmunology.
• To review traditional neurologic treatments for the most common neurologic complaints noted above.  Learn and apply new and emerging treatments for these same complaints, optimizing patients’ individual nervous system function.  These new treatments will include diet and nutrition, nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes, amino acid therapy for neurotransmitter support, stress hormone balancing and immune system support.