Good day,
Today I would like to outline the investigation strategy of the chiropractic neurologist. If there are any technical terms I will try my best to clarify them and to not allow the details to remain dry. The main focus of the neurologic exam and history are to find any area of physiologic or pathologic lesion. Physiologic lesions are areas in the nervous system that are being impeded from normal function usually from a long term lack of use or lack of stimulation. Pathologic lesions are often from direct insult to an area of the nervous system like a stroke or tumor. Pathologic lesions often necessitate a referral ie(surgical/medication). Physiologic lesions often respond beautifully to the proper stimulation whether from an adjustment, light stimulations, sound, exercise, or nutritional modification.
The goal of the chiropractic neurologist is to find any natural means to increase the firing of the area of the lesion in so affecting the whole nervous system in the process like a domino effect.
I will now list the regions of most lesions in the nervous system. In future blogs I will try to expand on each region. We will often refer to the 7 longitudinal areas of lesion which include
1 receptor
2 peripheral nerve
3 spinal cord
4 brainstem
5 cerebellum
6 basal ganglia
7 cerebral cortex
Each one of these areas can be influenced to a certain extent. I personally am regularly trying to learn more about these areas and any applications that can be made.
Patrick Levesque DC DACNB
