Every child develops at a different rate. Sometimes, a delay in development can occur and may require early intervention. While many of these delays improve over time, a child may also be diagnosed with a developmental disorder or disability. When a child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder, such as ADHD, Asperger’s, or Autism Spectrum Disorders, it can be a significant adjustment for the child and their family.
Though these developmental disorders are all complex and offer their own host of symptoms, they all share a common root cause: a brain imbalance. This imbalance often results in a diagnosis of functional disconnection syndrome. Functional disconnection syndrome is where the right and left hemispheres of the brain are developing at different rates. Due to this difference in maturation, the brain is unable to connect, communicate, and share information appropriately.
Symptoms of Functional Disconnection Syndrome
The symptoms of functional disconnection syndrome vary depending on which side of the brain the imbalance is on. Learning disabilities, social disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and attention problems are all different symptoms that may manifest from a disconnection in the brain. These symptoms can include:
- Difficulties paying attention
- Impulsiveness
- Negative behaviors
- Anxiety issues
- Inability to quickly process information
- Reading issues
- Social awkwardness
- Failure to pick up on non-verbal cues
- Unable to read people well
Treating a Hemispherical Imbalance
At Carolina Brain Center, we will conduct a thorough neurological evaluation to determine which hemisphere is underdeveloped. This may include testing primitive reflexes, cranial nerve functions, cerebellar function, frontal eye fields, and routine bloodwork. These symptoms affect multiple systems of the body, so a comprehensive assessment is essential.
Once we have collected the necessary data, a treatment plan will be developed to stimulate and promote hemispheric integration and synchronization. We will tailor this treatment plan to each patient’s needs to ensure the brain can work as a whole.
Treatment for a hemispherical imbalance is crucial. Otherwise, the weaker side will continue to get weaker, and the stronger side will take over as the dominant part of the brain. Our goal is to get both hemispheres working together to ensure the patient can access all parts of their brain.
Improving Communication in the Brain
The brain responds best to environmental stimuli, such as movement, sound, touch, and taste. To treat functional disconnections, the first step is to identify where the functional weakness is occurring. By using primitive reflex assessments, we can get to the underlying cause of the disconnection. Then, if a child has a weakness in auditory processing, for example, we can utilize auditory stimulation to help improve this disconnection.
As the best neurologist in NC, we provide a variety of treatment approaches depending on what the patient needs. These approaches can include:
Hemispheric Integration
Hemispheric integration is a rehabilitative therapy that incorporates stimulation and training of certain parts of the brain. This approach works to strengthen the weak and under-functioning neurological pathways that are not communicating with each other. The process encourages neuroplasticity, resulting in improved academic and social behavior.
Neurosensory
The neurosensory approach stimulates sensory pathways to improve motor and cognitive behaviors, focusing on environmental stimulation to improve the weaker areas of the brain. Primitive reflex training, movement stimulation, and other specific stimuli are utilized in this method.
Functional Biochemistry
Functional biochemistry is the use of natural compounds that are proven to support neurological, immunological, and digestive processes. As a more holistic approach, functional biochemistry helps us find the underlying cause of the disconnection, not just treat the symptoms caused by it.
Nutritional Counseling
Eating habits affect your entire body, and patients with functional disconnection syndrome are no different. Through nutritional counseling, we will help you implement the best diet for your child’s needs to promote optimal brain function. Our team will conduct clinical research and tailor a nutritional plan based on the results.
When your child is experiencing developmental challenges, contact Carolina Brain Center for an evaluation. We understand how difficult this time can be, and will help treat your child’s brain imbalance so you can watch your child achieve their full potential at school and home.